Poultry intended for human food may absorb insecticides from residues in their feed, water or during direct/indirect exposure in the course of pest control. The aim of the present study was to monitor organochlorine insecticide residues in poultry feed, chicken and eggs at selected poultry farms. The study concluded that high levels of residues in poultry feed including total HCH and DDT and their presence in chicken and eggs at the farms indicate that poultry feed could be one of the major sources of contamination. Another objective was to determine the concentration of malathion in muscles and liver of the birds exposed to it dermally. The effect of malathion on plasma and erythrocyte acetylcholinestrase activity was also studied.The concentration of insecticide residues in adipose tissue of humans is one of the best indices of the extent of their exposure and risk evaluation. Thus, human biopsy adipose tissue samples were analyzed for the presence of insecticide residues. The book is of great use to persons interested in interdisciplinary studies at the agriculture/food interface.

In the wake of liberalization and globalization of the markets, pesticide residues in food assume importance with special reference to codex and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures. The present study was envisaged to monitor the organochlorine pesticide residue levels in meat of lamb and buffalo and in human blood samples and to ascertain a realistic exposure. Study concluded that the levels of organochlorine pesticides in buffalo and lamb meat in Punjab, India were far below national Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and is safe for consumption. However, one buffalo meat sample exceeded MRLs for lindane and six lamb samples exceeded MRLs for endosulphan sulphate set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Analysis of 50 human serum samples each from Ludhiana and Nepal revealed that pesticide residues occurred with a frequency of 96 and 94 per cent, respectively. The levels were higher in Nepali population probably due to the fact that they were residing near a dumping warehouse of obsolete pesticides for the last more than 30 years. The book will be particularly useful to persons who are engaged in research work on impact of agrochemicals to environment and human health.