The study aimed to examine the residues of
organochlorines pesticides (OCPs) in vegetables and
fruits in Qatar. A total of 127 samples was studied.
Ninety percent of the imported samples recorded residues
above the maximum residue levels (MRLs). The
most frequently detected OCP in the samples was heptachlor
(found in 75 samples). In the comparisons between
the washed and unwashed samples, no significant
differences were observed (P>0.05). However, the effect
of washing process with tap water depended on the
type of vegetables and fruits.