Concentrations of organochlorine insecticides in edible oils from different regions of India.

In this study, organochlorine insecticides (OCPs), DDT metabolites and HCH isomers were quantified in mustard, groundnut and sunflower oils collected from different regions of India. The maximum level of 222.0 ng g(-1) and minimum level of 0.2 ng g(-1) of SigmaDDT were detected in mustard oil from Deoria and Varanasi while those of SigmaHCH i.e., 1500 ng g(-1) and 8.0 ng g(-1) in mustard oil from Deoria and Kanpur, respectively. However, the maximum total concentration of alpha-, beta- and gamma-HCH was in mustard oil, whereas maximum delta-HCH was in groundnut oil. However, the maximum percentage of p,p'-DDT was in mustard oil while maximum p,p'-DDE was in groundnut oil. The study calls for periodical monitoring to ensure safe supply of edible oils to consumers.