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

Carolin Fechner; Christin Hackethal; Tobias Höpfner; Jessica Dietrich; Dorit Bloch; Oliver Lindtner; Irmela Sarvan

doi:10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100326

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 Chem X. 2022 May 6:14:100326. doi: 10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100326. eCollection 2022 Jun 30.

Authors

Carolin Fechner¹, Christin Hackethal^{1

2}, Tobias Höpfner¹, Jessica Dietrich¹, Dorit Bloch¹, Oliver Lindtner¹, Irmela Sarvan¹

Affiliations

¹ German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
² Institute of Nutritional Science (IEW), University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany.

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.

Keywords: BfR MEAL Study; Contaminants; Metals; Organic and conventional type of production; Regionality; Seasonality; Total diet study; Unprepared and prepared foods.