Objective: To investigate the level of lead in cereals and related products from Zhejiang market, and to provide the preliminary assessment.
Methods: Lead was detected in 4855 samples of cereals and related products during 2014-2019, food consumption data was taken from Zhejiang residents' consumption survey in 2015-2016.
Results: The total detection rate of lead in cereals and related products was 59. 03%, and the acceptance rate was 99. 3% when compared to the national food safety standards(GB 2762-2017). The average lead level in cereals and related products was 0. 031 mg/kg, high mean level was found in millet with 0. 049 mg/kg, low mean level was in grain cans with 0. 020 mg/kg. The average dietary exposure to lead via cereals and related products was 0. 16 μg/(kg·d), and 0. 45 μg/(kg·d) for high consumer(P97. 5).
Conclusion: Lead in cereals and related products are at very low contamination levels, residents' average daily intake of lead from grains and products was low in Zhejiang Province, but measures are still needed to reduce lead in cereal products considering the adverse health effects of lead.
Keywords: cereals and related products; food safety; lead.