Cadmium and lead in fresh fruits and fruit products sold on the local market in the Republic of Serbia, 2018-2021

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations were determined in 737 samples of 39 species of fruits and of processed fruits (n = 13), collected during the period January 2018 to September 2021. Fruits and fruit products originated from 47 countries, including Serbia. Samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Overall, Cd and Pb were found above the limit of detection (LOD) in 97 samples (13.9%). Cd and Pb concentrations were below the LOD in all samples of fruit products. According to the valid regulations before September 2021, the maximum level (ML) of Cd for analysed fruits was exceeded in only 1 sample (0.14%; n = 737), while concentrations of Pb in each analysed fruit sample was below the ML. According to the legislative regulations as set after September 2021, the maximum levels of Cd and Pb for fruits were exceeded in 5, respectively 1, of the samples, so 6 in total (0.81%; n = 737).

Cadmium and lead in fresh vegetables and vegetable products sold on the local market in the Republic of Serbia, 2018-2021

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations were determined in samples of 31 species of vegetables (n = 719) and in vegetable products (n = 17), collected during the period January 2018 to September 2021. These originated from 33 countries, including Serbia. The samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Overall, Cd and Pb were found above the limit of detection in 123 (16.7%, n = 736) and 90 (12.2%; n = 736) samples, respectively. According to the former legislation, valid until the end of August 2021, the maximum levels (MLs) of Cd and Pb were exceeded in 1 and 2 samples of vegetables, respectively. Regarding the EU and Serbian legislation which is valid since September 2021 the MLs of Cd and Pb for vegetables were exceeded in 7 samples: Cd in 5 and Pb in 2 samples. In addition, 3 vegetable product samples exceeded the MLs for both cadmium and lead according to both former and current regulations.