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

Overview

Journal Food Chem X

Date 2022 May 23

PMID 35601214

Authors

Carolin Fechner

Christin Hackethal

Tobias Hopfner

Jessica Dietrich

Dorit Bloch

Oliver Lindtner

Irmela Sarvan

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

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.

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