Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Raw Milk Samples Collected From Goats Dairy Farms of Kastamonu Province, Türkiye

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

ABSTRACT Background Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are persistent environmental contaminants that can accumulate in animal‐derived foods and pose potential risks to human health. This study aimed to investigate the presence, concentration, and potential health risks of selected OCP residues in raw goat milk collected from dairy farms in Kastamonu, Türkiye. Methods Raw goat milk samples were collected from 20 goat farms located in urban and rural areas of Kastamonu province. A total of 23 OCP compounds were screened using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Detected residues were compared with established maximum residue limits (MRLs), and potential non‐carcinogenic health risks were assessed using hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values. Results Among the analyzed compounds, β‐endosulfan, methoxychlor, and p,p'‐DDE were detected in the samples. Methoxychlor was the most frequently detected compound, present in 70% of the samples, with concentrations exceeding the MRL in 13 of the 14 positive samples. β‐Endosulfan and p,p'‐DDE were detected in four samples each but remained below their respective MRLs. A statistically significant difference between urban and rural farms was observed only for β‐endosulfan ( p = 0.015). Health risk assessment indicated that HQ values for β‐endosulfan (0.0031), methoxychlor (0.0159), and p,p'‐DDE (5.29 × 10 − 5 ) were all below the acceptable risk threshold (HQ < 1), with a total HI of approximately 0.019. Conclusion Although OCP residues were detected, the estimated exposure levels suggest no significant non‐carcinogenic health risk for consumers. However, the detection of banned pesticides highlights their environmental persistence and emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and environmental surveillance.