Metals
Arsenic
Arsenic is present in the environment as a naturally occurring substance or as a result of contamination from human activity. It is found in water, air, food, and soil in organic and inorganic forms.
The FDA has been measuring total arsenic concentrations in foods, including rice and juices, through its Total Diet Study program since 1991. The agency also monitors toxic elements, including arsenic, in a variety of domestic and imported foods under the Toxic Elements Program, with emphasis is placed on foods that children are likely to eat or drink, such as juices.
- Questions & Answers: FDA’s Analysis of Arsenic in Rice and Rice Products September 2012
- Arsenic in Pear Juice Analytical Results, 2005-20113
- Arsenic in Apple Juice
- More on Arsenic
Lead
Lead is a toxic substance present in our environment in small amounts and everyone is exposed to some lead from daily actions such as inhaling dust, eating food, or drinking water.
- Reported Findings of Low Levels of Lead in Some Food Products Commonly Consumed by Children November 10, 2010; Updated November 29, 2011
- Survey Data on Lead in Women's and Children's Vitamins August 2008
- More on Lead
Mercury
- FDA and EPA Advice about Eating Fish and Questions and Answers about this Advice
- Quantitative Assessment of the Net Effects on Fetal Neurodevelopment from the Eating Commercial Fish (As Measured by IQ and also by Early Age Verbal Development in Children) May 2014
- Mercury Concentrations in Fish: FDA Monitoring Program (1990-2010)
- Mercury Levels in Commercial Fish and Shellfish (1990-2010)
- More on Mercury and Methylmercury