Toxic metals in selected foods – April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024

Abstract

The main objectives of this targeted survey were to generate additional baseline surveillance data on the level of metals in foods not routinely monitored under other CFIA programs, and to compare the levels of metals observed in foods in this survey with those of previous targeted surveys and literature. A total of 957 samples of cassava products, salt, balsamic vinegar and plain bottled water were purchased from retail locations in 11 cities across Canada and tested for metals/elements. Only the results of the metals of highest concern (arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury) are presented in this report. Mercury and lead had the lowest and the highest detection rate, respectively. Most (69%) of the survey samples contained 1 or more toxic metals, however none of the samples contained traces of all 4 toxic metals. While none of the bottled water samples had detectable levels of toxic metals, 99.5% of cassava products and 97% of balsamic vinegars contained traces of at least 1 toxic metal. At least 1 of the toxic metals was detected in 76% of salt samples. The detection rates and the levels of metals reported in this targeted survey were comparable to the levels previously found in similar product types and reported in scientific literature. Arsenic and lead were not detected in any bottled water samples, hence, the compliance rate for those products was 100%. There are no regulations in Canada for metal levels in the other products tested. Health Canada determined that none of the samples analyzed for metals in this survey posed a concern to human health.