Objectives Base on the pesticide residues detected in 768 samples from 30 vegetable species in 2011, the status and regularities of pesticide residues in vegetables from Taizhou District was analyzed.

Methods All samples were detected and evaluated with the method of "Pesticide Multiresidue Screen Methods for Determination of Organophosphorus Pesticide, Organochlorine Pesticide, Pyrethroid Pesticide and Carbamate Pesticide in Vegetables and Fruits"(NY/T 761-2008), and "The Maximum Residue Limits of Pesticides in Food" (GB 2763-2005).

Results In the survey for 23 pesticide items, the total detection rate and the rate of exceeding the upper limits of pesticide residue in vegetables were 24.4%and 6.64%, respectively.The rate of exceeding the standard limits for leafy vegetables was 11.0%, which was higher than other vegetable categories. The rate of exceeding standard limit for leguminous vegetables, fruit vegetables, stem vegetables, melon vegetables, brassica vegetables were 11.0%, 9.68%, 3.57%, 2.34% and 1.20%, respectively. No any pesticide was detected in root vegetables. Five prohibited pesticides (methamidophos, isocarbophos, omethoate, parathion) were detected in 17 samples, and non-banned pesticides, which was exceeding the standard limits, were detected in 38 samples. The exceeding standard limit rate was higher in May to August than other periods, up to 11.5%.

Conclusions In order to assure the safety of vegetable intake, the inspection and administration should be strengthened, and the use of high toxic pesticides must be prevented and controlled from the source.