TOXIC HEAVY-METALS AND OTHER TRACE-ELEMENTS IN FOODSTUFFS FROM 12 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES - AN IAEA COORDINATED RESEARCH-PROGRAM

A research program related to the assessment of toxic heavy metals and essential trace elements in foodstuffs has been carried out in 12 cou ntries under the auspices of the IAEA. The main purpose of this progra m was to obtain data on the elemental concentrations of potentially to xic elements in foodstuffs in various countries, and to compare them w ith the maximum permissible levels specified in national legislation a nd international guidelines. High-priority elements for this study wer e As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg, and Se. Also of interest, but of lower priority, were Sb, Cu, and Zn. Emphasis was placed on the use of nuclear and nu clear-related analytical techniques, complemented by conventional meth ods, and on quality assurance.