19 January 2006 - A survey of a selection of metals and arsenic in fruit and vegetables grown in allotments has found that they present no risk to consumers' health.
A total of 251 samples of allotment-grown fruit and vegetables and 52 samples of allotment soil were taken from urban areas, areas near industrial sites and rural areas of England, Scotland and Wales. All were analysed for arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, platinum, tin, titanium and zinc.
Metals and other elements, such as arsenic, are present in food either naturally, or, for example, as a result of agricultural practices, industrial emissions and from car exhausts, from contamination during manufacturing/processing and storage, or through being added during processing.
Fruit and vegetables surveyed included 36 soft fruits, 37 legumes, 37 leafy greens, 32 brassicas, 72 potatoes and 37 onions.
The survey found that produce grown on urban allotments have slightly elevated levels of titanium, copper, zinc, cadmium and lead, but the levels found for all allotment produce are low and are not a concern for consumer health.
However, the Agency continues to advise that it is sensible to wash fruit and vegetables before you eat them to ensure that they are clean, and that bacteria that might be on the outside are removed. The FSA recommends all consumers to eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day in order to maintain a healthy diet.
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Multi-element survey of allotment produce
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has completed a survey of heavy metals and other elements in allotment produce. Concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, platinum, tin, titanium and zinc were measured in 251 samples of fruits and vegetables from allotments. Samples of soil were also taken and analysed.
The main purpose of this survey was to determine concentrations of metals and other elements in fruits and vegetables from allotments in a variety of environments. A pilot survey was carried out in 1999.
Key factsA total of 251 samples of allotment-grown fruits and vegetables and 52 samples of allotment soil were analysed for arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, platinum, tin, titanium and zinc. Samples of fruit and vegetables included 36 soft fruits, 37 legumes, 37 leafy greens, 32 brassicas, 72 potatoes and 37 onions.
Investigated plots were situated in urban areas, areas within the vicinity of industrial sites and rural areas of England, Scotland and Wales.
Produce grown on urban allotments have slightly elevated levels of titanium, copper, zinc, cadmium and lead; however, the levels found for all allotment produce are low and are not of concern to consumer safety.
Estimated dietary exposures to the elements measured in this survey do not pose a risk to consumer safety.
The Food Standards Agency recommends that consumers continue to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.