The content of lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury and tin in fruit and their products based on monitoring studies - exposure assessment.

BACKGROUND: Fruit and fruit products are important part of our daily diet. In addition to the ingredients necessary for the proper functioning of the body, these products can also be a source of intake elements harmful to human health. OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the results of monitoring studies conducted in Poland in 2015 concerning contamination of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and tin (Sn) in fruit and fruit products and exposure assessment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Approximately 600 samples of fresh, frozen, dried fruits, fruit preserves and canned fruits were tested. The laboratories of State Sanitary Inspection were involved in testing. Accredited and validated analytical methods were used. The test samples were prepared in accordance with the standard PN-EN 13804:2013. The contents of lead, cadmium and tin were determined by using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) or flameless with electrothermal atomization spectrometry (GFAAS); arsenic by using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry method (HGAAS) and mercury the "cold vapor" atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS) method. RESULTS: Contamination of investigated samples with elements harmful to human health (Pb, Ca, As, Hg and Sn does not rise concern to human health and was in most cases comparable with contamination reported in other European Union countries. The estimated average exposure of adults and children to lead intake with fruit and fruit products ranged from 0.5% to 14.6% of the respective Benchmark Dose Lower Confidence Limit (BMDL) established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The mean intake of cadmium with these groups of foodstuffs was in the range 0.3 - 8.5% of the TWI value (Tolerable Weekly Intake) established by EFSA for adults and children (0.1 - 3.6% of the PTMI (Provisional Tolerable Monthly Intake) established by JECFA. In case of arsenic mean intake was in the range 0.5 - 1.6% BMDL whilst for mercury (inorganic form) intake represented 0.5 - 1.4% of TWI value established by JECFA and then confirmed by EFSA. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the obtained results, it was found that content of Pb, Cd, As, Hg and Sn in the tested samples of fruit and their products does not pose a risk to consumer health. Estimated exposure of consumers does not exceed tolerable doses established by EFSA and JECFA for these elements.

Assessment of exposure to nickel intake with selected cereal grains and cereal-based products.

BACKGROUND: Cereal grains and their products are among the basic components of the diet all over the world. Their consumption varies depending on the dietary habits in each country. Apart from ingredients valuable from a health point of view, these products can also be a source of contaminants. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) included these foodstuffs in the group of main contributors to the dietary exposure to nickel by different groups of the population. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the studies was to determine the nickel content in cereal grains and selected cereal products commercially available in Poland and to assess the exposure of consumers to nickel intake with these foodstuffs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 56 samples of cereal grain and cereal products from trade were tested. Nickel content was determined after microwave mineralization of the samples by atomic absorption spectrometry with a graphite furnace atomization (GFAAS). The estimated exposure for the different groups of the population was assessed and compared with the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) value established by the European Food Safety Authority based on an updated risk assessment at 13 µg/kg body weight (b.w.) per day. RESULTS: The mean (MB) and 95th percentile (MB) nickel content in investigated samples of cereal grains and their products were 0.66 mg/kg and 1.93 mg/kg. The mean content of Ni in the analyzed samples of grains was 1.16 mg/kg. Obtained results in this group of products ranged from 0.10 mg/kg for rye to 4.80 mg/kg for millet. In the group of grain products, the mean (MB) concentration of nickel was 0.61 mg/kg (95th percentile (MB) 1.84 mg/kg). The highest nickel level was determined in the samples of bran, groats, and flakes compared to other grain-based products. The highest content of Ni in the group of cereal products was found in the samples of roasted buckwheat 1.81 mg/kg and oat flakes 2.53 mg/kg. Significantly lower nickel content was observed in barley groats as well as for pasta and flour. The estimated average exposure of adults and children to nickel intake with grains and grain-based products ranged from 1.1% to 13.4% of TDI and it does not pose a health risk for consumers. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the obtained results, it was found that the nickel content in the tested samples of cereals and their products does not pose a health risk, even though the contamination of individual samples was significant.