DETERMINATION OF PESTICIDE-RESIDUES IN IMPORTED AND LOCALLY PRODUCED HONEY IN JORDAN

The presence of residues of the major groups of pesticides (organochlo rine, organophosphorous, pyrethroid and nitrogen-containing compounds) in representative samples of locally produced honey, collected from v arious locations in Jordan, and from imported honey were investigated during 1994-1995. Residue levels of 50 pesticides were determined in 2 6 samples of honey. Results indicated that most pesticides found in th e samples belonged to the organochlorine group. Lower levels of residu es of some organophosphates and pyrethroids were also detected. Residu es of alpha HCH, beta HCH and lindane were detected in eleven of the s amples analysed. Residues of DDT, heptachlor, heptachlorepoxide, dield rin and aldrin were detected in some of the samples analysed. Residues of fluvalinate were only detected in four honey samples. Residues of amitraz, tetradifon and bromopropylate were not detected in the honey samples analysed.