Validation of a gas chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric method for analysis of pesticide residues in six food commodities.: Selection of a reference matrix for calibration

A gas chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric (GC-MS-MS) method for analysis of 30 multi-class pesticide residues in four vegetables (cucumber, marrow, pepper, and eggplant) and two fruits (melon and watermelon) has been developed and validated. The performance characteristics linearity, detection limit (LOD), quantification limit (LOO), precision, and recovery were studied. The effect of the matrix on the calibration step was studied by comparing calibration curves and recoveries for each food commodity. Two different food commodities, cucumber and watermelon, were selected as potential reference matrixes for the target vegetables and fruits, respectively.