Pesticide prioritization based on risk and model diet proposals for assessing cumulative exposure to pesticide residues in the Brazilian population through food consumption.

backgroundPesticide residue exposure assessments can be carried out during both the pre-regulation and post-regulation phases of these substances. Due to a lack of consumption data required for these assessments, model diets have emerged as a practical solution. However, diets that more accurately reflect each country's consumption patterns provide a more reliable basis for calculating long-term residue exposures and verifying established maximum residue limits. The definition of model diets based on a specific population allows for the prioritization of matrices for analysis and, consequently, monitoring program optimization, due to a more rigorous selection of food groups that may comprise residue exposure sources. This study aimed to assess the contribution of foods to cumulative priority pesticide residue exposure and propose model diets that reflect Brazilian food consumption patterns.

resultsThe present study considered a chemical compound risk classification and a sensitivity analysis to identify the foods that contribute most to pesticide residue exposure. The top five pesticide-crop combinations in the risk ranking were chlorpyrifos in citrus, banana and potato (score 168) and (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D and methomyl in rice (score 140). Model diets were developed based on Brazilian dietary habits in accordance with exposure assessment principles and included the 22 foods considered most critical regarding pesticide exposure.

conclusionA practical simulation using selected pesticides demonstrated that conventional model diets may not yield the same results as the specific model diets proposed for Brazil. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.