ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES IN COWS MILK FROM TUNISIA

The chromatographic analysis of Tunisian samples of crude farm milk (n =50) and packed milk (n=100) shows that all samples are tainted by DDT , HCB and HCH. Samples of local crude farm milk are roughly 50% richer in OC pesticide residues than those of packed milk made from imported powder milk. The mean value for beta-HCH however is notably higher fo r crude farm milk. This fact is discussed with regards to the specific features of insect control practices and HCH storage in Tunisia. Gene rally speaking, the mean values for the OC pesticide residues studied in both brands of Tunisian milk stay well under the international tole rance limits.