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Heavy metals

Toxic metals in food

A number of metals are highly toxic and are known to bioaccumulate in foodstuffs. Seafood is known to be of very high risk of heavy metal contamination due to bio-accumulation, however, all primary produce can be contaminated from environmental sources. Heavy metals in food are regulated around the world with specific limits on most commodities.

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A full screen of toxic metals

ALS can offer a full screen of metals of interest. In addition to the "big four" toxic metals (Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, and Mercury) ALS can screen for a wide range of metals using ICP-MS, in addition hyphenated techniques can be used to look for specific forms of metals such as Organic Arsenic or Methyl Mercury.

Typical metals of interest are:

  • Lead
  • Cadmium
  • Arsenic
  • Organic/Inorganic Arsenic
  • Mercury
  • Methyl Mercury
  • Aluminium
  • Chromium
  • Iron
  • Copper
  • Strontium
  • Nickel