Heavy metals and metalloids, often collectively referred to as heavy metals, are compounds found in the environment, including air, water, and soil. They occur both naturally and as a result of industrial and agricultural activities. The list of heavy metals includes, among others:
- arsenic
- cadmium
- lead
- mercury (including inorganic mercury)
- inorganic tin
- chromium
- uranium
According to the analysis of RASFF data using our solution, Safety HUD (a Mérieux NutriSciences tool designed to identify worldwide food risks and frauds), fish and seafood were the most impacted food matrix in 2023, with close to 172 notified events. This number has increased by 16,2% compared to 2022.
Furthermore, based on the RASFF data analysis, the heavy metal most frequently reported in Europe in 2023 was cadium, with 180 alerts. The number of events linked to cadmium increased by 8,43% in 2023 compared to 2022.
Concentrations of Heavy Metals in Food and their Toxicity
Heavy Metals Toxicity at Low Concentrations
Heavy metals exhibit toxicity at low concentrations due to their relatively high density. They have no established health benefits and can cause illness, impairment, and, in high levels, death.
Various factors, ranging from environmental conditions during growth to post-harvest handling, processing, preparation, and cooking techniques, influence the toxic metal content in foods. Metals used in food processing equipment or packaging materials may contribute to food contamination, affecting overall food quality.
In the EU, Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 19 December 2006 sets maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs (Text with EEA relevance). This Commission Regulation establishes a list of food items that cannot be placed on the EU market if they exceed specified limits for arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and inorganic tin. The details can be accessed in the Annex.
Recently reviewed, the Commission Regulation has determined new limits for cadmium and lead in foodstuffs. To learn more about the latest concentration levels for cadmium and lead applicable as of the end of August 2021, you can refer to our post: Maximum Levels of Cadmium and Lead Amended in EU.
13 Trace Elements Necessary for Life
While heavy metals are generally considered toxic to consumers, some of them are essential trace elements necessary for life. These trace elements include:
- copper
- cobalt
- iron
- nickel
- magnesium
- molybdenum
- chromium
- selenium
- manganese
- zinc
They play crucial functional roles in various physiological and biochemical activities, contributing to the overall health of the body.
Risk Assessment on Heavy Metals in Food
EFSA and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) have conducted various opinions, risk assessments, and studies focusing on:
- The toxicity of heavy metals,
- The exposure to heavy metals.
These assessments have led to the recommendation of best practices aimed at reducing exposure to certain metalloids. As a result of these studies, ongoing modifications are being introduced into the current regulation to decrease Maximum Levels (MLs) in the most critical matrices. This ensures a continuous effort to enhance food safety and mitigate health risks associated with heavy metal exposure.
Mérieux NutriSciences’ range of Services on Heavy Metals
Mérieux NutriSciences offers a comprehensive range of services, including testing, to food manufacturers for the quantification of heavy metals. This ensures compliance with regulations and quality standards. Mérieux NutriSciences assists food manufacturers in measuring the concentration of heavy metals in food products through various techniques, including:
- ICP-MS, ensuring high sensitivity even in complex matrices and in baby food.
- IC-ICP-MS for arsenic speciation, distinguishing between organic and inorganic arsenic.
- Classical atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) with graphite furnace or cold vapor.
- Quantification of other heavy metals and elements.
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