Heavy Metals in Fish, Herbs, Spices and Canned Foods Survey 2002

The European Commission Regulation 466/2001 introduced new limits for the levels of lead, cadmium and mercury in a number of basic food categories. In the case of lead these limits are significantly lower than those previously set in the United Kingdom by the Lead in Food Regulations 1979. Limits for cadmium and mercury are new.

The new limits apply from the 5th April 2002. The aim of the survey was to assess whether there is likely to be any problem areas when this regulation comes into force.

Categories of sample were chosen which, it was felt, had a raised possibility of being contaminated with heavy metals.

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