The persistence of banned organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in agricultural systems remains a major concern for food safety, environmental sustainability, and public health in developing countries. This study assessed the seasonal variation and health risks associated with organochlorine pesticide residues in selected fruits and vegetables sold in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, North-western Nigeria. A total of 120 fruit and vegetable samples (watermelon, pineapple, cucumber, cabbage, and lettuce) were randomly collected from local markets across four quarters between December 2024 and October 2025, representing both dry and wet seasons. Pesticide residues were extracted using the QuEChERS method and quantified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The results revealed that multiple OCPs, including lindane isomers, DDT and its metabolites, heptachlor, aldrin, and dieldrin, were detected in most samples. Residue concentrations were significantly higher during the dry season compared to the wet season (p < 0.05), indicating a strong seasonal influence on pesticide persistence and accumulation. A health risk assessment based on estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) revealed that children were more vulnerable, with THQ values for DDT and HCH exceeding unity during the wet season. The hazard index values for both children and adults were greater than one in both seasons, indicating potential non-carcinogenic health risks associated with long-term dietary exposure. Although most detected residues were below established maximum residue limits, the combined exposure poses environmental and public health concerns. The findings highlight the continued use or environmental persistence of banned pesticides and emphasise the need for strengthened regulatory enforcement, farmer education, and sustainable pest management practices to reduce contamination of food crops and protect ecosystem and human health.

Keywords: Pesticides, Residues, Fruit and Vegetable, Seasonal Variation, Food Safety, Health Risk Assessment, QuEChERS, Maximum Residual Limit, Hazard index, Kaura Namoda, GC-MS.

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Source of Funding:

This study was supported by the TETFUND sponsorship of Institutional Base Research (IBR) through the Management of Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, Nigeria.

Competing Interests Statement:

Author has declared no competing interests.

Consent for publication:

The author declares that he/she consented to the publication of this study.

Authors' contributions:

Author’s independent contribution.

Institutional Review Board Statement:

Not applicable for this study.

Informed Consent:

Not applicable for this study.

Acknowledgement:

The author appreciates the TETFUND for the sponsorship of Institutional Base Research (IBR) through the Management of Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, Nigeria.