Heavy Metals in the Food Supply

Everything you need to know

The presence of heavy metals in food is not new. Many heavy metals are naturally occurring and can be detected at trace levels in food.

This toolkit is designed to improve understanding about heavy metals in food, their potential health impact, and the steps being taken to monitor and reduce presence of heavy metals in foods. The resources below provide insights into specific metals and offer practical recommendations on how consumers can reduce their exposure to keep themselves and their families safe.

Arsenic

Arsenic, like most heavy metals, is naturally occurring and can be detected at trace levels in food. Heavy metals are found in soil, water, and air; they are not added to food.  While arsenic may be detected in some plant-based foods, its presence remains extremely low. Still, overexposure to arsenic can cause adverse health effects.   

 

Cadmium

Cadmium, like most heavy metals, is naturally occurring and can be detected at trace levels in food. Heavy metals are found in soil, water, and air; they are not added to food. While cadmium may be detected in some plant-based foods, exposure remains extremely low. Still, overexposure to cadmium can cause adverse health effects.   

Lead

Lead, like most heavy metals, is naturally occurring and can be detected at trace levels in food. Heavy metals are found in soil, water, and air; they are not added to food. While lead may be detected in some plant-based foods, exposure remains extremely low. Still, overexposure to lead can cause adverse health effects.   

 

Mercury

Mercury, like most heavy metals, is naturally occurring and can be detected at trace levels in food. Mercury can, however, accumulate in oceans, lakes, and streams, where it transforms into methylmercury, which can build up in seafood. People are primarily exposed to mercury by eating seafood. Exposure to mercury remains extremely low per the U.S. and global monitoring systems that are in place. Still, overexposure to mercury can cause adverse health effects.   

 

Additional IFIC Resources

IFIC Expert Webinars

Advancing Health Professionals' Understanding of Heavy Metals in Food: What Can Be Done to Protect Public Health? (IFIC/FDA Webinar, 2023)
Understanding the Impact of Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead Across the Food Supply (JIFSAN Webinar, 2022)

IFIC Consumer Research

2024 IFIC Food & Health Survey
IFIC Spotlight Survey: American Perceptions of Food Ingredient Safety

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