Pesticide residues
Dates are fumigated to kill insects, often with methyl bromide (CH3Br) (Glasner et al., 2002). The maximum residue level for methyl bromide on dried fruits was set at 2 mg/kg by the Codex Alimentarius (Codex Alimentarius, 2011). Other pesticides are used, including carbamates and organophosphates, which may leave residues (Khan et al., 2001).
In organic date palm production, carbon dioxide is used instead of methyl bromide (Glasner et al., 2002).