Toxaphene and other chlorinated pesticide residues in butter (1972 - 1978) and canned beef (1976 - 1977) in Kenya

This paper reports the analysis of butter sample manufactured 1972-1978 and canned beef samples manufactured 1976-1977 in Kenya for pesticide residues, particularly for toxaphene, the main acaricide in use from 1960-1976. It was found that levels of toxaphene in butter ranged from 6.5-16.2 ppm (fat basis) during extensive use of acricide, which gradually decreased to non-detectable levels by 1978. Toxaphene residues in canned beef ranged from 1.2-18.5 ppm (fat basis) during 1976. Traces were still evident (0.2-0.7 ppm) by 1977. Low levels of BHC and DDE were also indicated in the samples. The levels ranged from 0.1-0.28 ppm total BHC and 0.02-0.27 DDE (fat basis ) in the butter. Canned beef samples indicated levels of 0.02-0.06 ppm total BHC and 0.02-0.57 ppmDDE(fat basis). (author)