Identification of 4-bromo-2-chlorophenol as a contaminant responsible for organoleptic taint in melons.
An off-odour, described by the growers as similar to profenofos, occurred in melons in which this pesticide had been used in crop treatment. However, profenofos, O-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenyl) O-ethyl S-propyl phosphorothioate, could not be detected in the melons using GC/MS although a component with a shorter retention time was found. Concentration of melon volatiles by steam distillation yielded a product identical to that obtained by hydrolysis of profenofos, identified as 4-bromo-2-chlorophenol. A solution of this compound in water had similar organoleptic properties to that of the contaminated fruits. It was concluded that 4-bromo-2-chlorophenol was responsible for the taint detected in melons.
Sanchez Saez
J J
JJ
National Centre for Food and Nutrition, National Institute of Health Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid.
Herce Garraleta
M D
MD
Calvo Anton
P
P
Folgueiras Alonso
M L
ML
D002733:Chlorophenols / Q000032:analysis*; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis*; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry*; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006868:Hydrolysis; D007306:Insecticides / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D009812:Odorants; D063086:Organothiophosphates / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D010573:Pesticide Residues / Q000032:analysis*
D002733:Chlorophenols; D007306:Insecticides; D063086:Organothiophosphates; D010573:Pesticide Residues; C024273:profenofos; C075205:4-bromo-2-chlorophenol