Results of the BfR MEAL Study: In Germany, mercury is mostly contained in fish and seafood while cadmium, lead, and nickel are present in a broad spectrum of foods

Food Chemistry: X

Christin Hackethal¹  Jessica Dietrich²  Irmela Sarvan³  Carolin Fechner³  Dorit Bloch³  Tobias Höpfner³  Oliver Lindtner³ 

[1] Corresponding author.;Institute of Nutritional Science (IEW), University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany;German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany;

关键词: Total diet study;    BfR MEAL Study;    Metals;    Contaminants;    Unprepared and prepared foods;    Regionality;   

DOI  :  

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The BfR MEAL Study provides representative levels of substances in foods consumed in Germany. Mercury, cadmium, lead, and nickel are contaminants present in foods introduced by environmental and industrial processes. Levels of these elements were investigated in 356 foods. Foods were purchased representatively, prepared as consumed and pooled with similar foods before analysis. Highest mean levels of mercury were determined in fish and seafood, while high levels of cadmium, lead, and nickel were present in cocoa products and legumes, nuts, oilseeds, and spices. The sampling by region, season, and production type showed minor differences in element levels for specific foods, however no tendency over all foods or for some food groups was apparent. The data on mercury, cadmium, lead, and nickel provide a comprehensive basis for chronic dietary exposure assessment of the population in Germany. All levels found were below regulated maximum levels.

【 授权许可】

Unknown