Question

How would I use the single residue method to test for pesticides in baby food?

Answer 1

Single Residue Methods

Single residue methods (SRMs) are commonely used for the quantitative determination of a single pesticide (and its toxicologically important conversion products, e.g., through metabolism or degradation) in all foods for which tolerance levels have been established. This is generally the type of method submitted by the manufacturer to EPA and eventually published in PAM II after registration is secured. It may also be the method used (sometimes in modified form) for IR-4 petitions.

Criteria for Selecting Single Residue Methods

SRMs are selected when the sample is known or believed to contain the residue of a chemical not included in the MRM. MRMs are used when the residue history of the sample is unknown and the presence and quantity of pesticide residues must be determined. MRMs will provide information on a much broader range of pesticides than an SRM for the same investment of time, energy, and resources.