Contamination of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Products on the Markets of Mianyang City in 2010

Objectives To understand the status of heavy metal contamination in agricultural products on the markets of Mianyang city.

Methods The contamination of lead, cadmium and total mercury in agricultural products in 2010 was monitored and the data were analyzed statistically.

Results In comparison with relevant standards, the contents of lead in 71 of 128 samples, cadmium in 55 of 128 samples and total mercury in 21 of 128 samples were higher than the upper limits. The qualified rates for the content of lead, cadmium and total mercury in all samples were 44.53%, 57.03%, and 83.59%, respectively.

Conclusions The qualified rates for heavy metals in agricultural products were low in Mianyang city. It is necessary to strengthen the surveillance of heavy metal contamination in agricultural products and to assure the food safety for consumers.