Comprehensive Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Fruits and Vegetables from Apulia and Basilicata (Southern Italy, 2022–2025) and Related Risk Evaluation

In this study, a comprehensive assessment of pesticide residues in fruits, vegetables, and derived products collected between 2022 and 2025 within the Apulia and Basilicata regions (Southern Italy) is reported. The analytical workflow combined QuEChERS extraction with Gas Chromatography coupled to Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS/MS) and Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Heated Electrospray Ionization-Quadrupole Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-HESI-Q-Orbitrap-MS). A total of 198 samples were analyzed, including fruits (51%), vegetables (35%), and processed products (14%). Approximately 60% of the samples originated from large-scale distribution networks (EU and non-EU imports), while 40% were derived from local production in Apulia and Basilicata. Validation parameters for both methods met the SANTE/11312/2021 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/808 performance requirements. Results showed that 76.8% of samples were free of quantifiable pesticides, while 23.2% contained residues below EU maximum limits, confirming high compliance and effective regional agronomic management in Apulia and Basilicata. The estimated daily intake and chronic hazard index values were below 100%, across all population groups, confirming the absence of chronic dietary risk. The integration of GC-QqQ-MS/MS and UHPLC-HESI-Q-Orbitrap-MS platforms ensured comprehensive chemical coverage and high selectivity, providing an effective regional surveillance model aligned with EU “Farm to Fork” food safety purposes.