Monitoring of Heavy Metals in Fruits in Korea

Abstract

According to the Codex committee, the maximum allowable level for lead in fruits is 0.1 mg/kg. This survey was conducted as a surveillance program following the establishment of safety guideline for fruits in Korea. Concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) were measured in 927 samples using a ICP-MS and a mercury analyzer. The recoveries of microwave digestion method were 86.0-110.4% for Pb, 81.0-104.0% for Cd and 82.0-104.7% for As by standard addition method. The recovery of direct mercury analyzer was 106.5% for Hg. The average levels of Pb in µg/kg were 10.0±12.8 for apple, 8.8±10.9 for pear, 4.1±4.4 for persimmons, 14.9±12.3 for mandarin, 7.1±6.5 for orange, 3.1±3.3 for banana, 8.8±8.9 for kiwi, and 9.3±9.7 for mango. The average levels of Cd in µg/kg were 0.4±0.3 for apple, 2.0±1.6 for pear, 0.3±0.3 for persimmon, 0.1±0.1 for mandarin, 0.1±0.1 for orange, 1.3±1.8 for banana, 0.5±0.5 for kiwi, and 0.7±0.6 for mango. The average levels of As in µg/kg were 2.0±2.1 for apple, 1.2±1.3 for pear, 1.5±1.1 for persimmon, 0.8±0.3 for mandarin, 1.0±0.5 for orange, 1.8±1.2 for banana, 1.6±1.5 for kiwi, and 1.5±1.2 for mango. The average levels of Hg in µg/kg were 0.5±0.4 for apple, 0.3±0.2 for pear, 0.2±0.1 for persimmon, 0.2±0.1 for mandarin, 0.2±0.1 for orange, 0.2±0.0 for banana, 0.2±0.2 for kiwi, and 0.6±0.2 for mango. Based on the Korean public nutrition report 2005, these levels (or amounts) are calculated only at 0.17% for Pb, 0.013% for Cd and 0.006% for Hg of those presented in provisional tolerable weekly Intake (PTWI) which has been established by FAO/WHO. Therefore, the levels presented here are presumed to be adequately safe.

Monitoring and Risk Assessment of Cadmium and Lead in Agricultural Products

“…중금속 중 카드뮴, 납, 수은, 비소 등은 생체 성분과의 친화성이 커 식품 등에 축적 되기 쉽기 때문에 국내ㆍ외에서 매우 엄격히 관리 되고 있으 며 (Lee et al, 2011) 특히, 영유아에게는 농도에 따라 행동 발달 장애 등이 관찰되고 있으므로 연령에 따른 관리도 중요 한 실정이다 (Jarup, 2003).…”