Abstract (PDF) Graphical Abstract: A total of 5206 samples from twenty-one different vegetables and fruits were collected. Residues of pesticides in concentrations exceeding the maximum residue levels were found in 22.9% of analysed samples. Thirteen insecticides, four fungicides, two acaricides and one herbicide were detected in the analysed samples. The highest value of hazard index was calculated for diazinon – 0.15. The obtained results show that the long-term consumption of vegetables and fruits could pose a health risk for the population of the Republic of Moldova.