High geochemical lead survey

Description

Sampling for lead in food produced or grown in high geochemical lead areas of the GB. The levels of lead present in food can vary depending on several factors, one being the presence of (high) levels of geochemical lead in the location in which food products have or are being grown or reared. There are maximum levels for lead in some foods and due to the variable nature of the presence of geochemical lead throughout the UK, it is necessary that the FSA has an understanding on the levels of lead in food products grown or reared in medium/high geochemical lead (ranges TBD from literature data). The work is considered one of the FSA’s main areas of research interest (under chemical hazards; including nanomaterials and microplastics) and will be used to inform long-term policy and/or strategic decision making.