The cadmium intake of adults in Germany was calculated within the framework of market basket studies. Data were available on cadmium content of representative food assortments from 1988 and 1991. Food intake data were obtained within the second MONICA (MONItoring trends and determinants in CArdiovascular disease) survey 1988 and the nutrition survey in the new Federal lands 1991/92. Combining both data sets, an average cadmium intake of adults was found to be in the range 10-14 micrograms/day. This cadmium intake is 16-19% of the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) for cadmium and a toxicological risk from orally consumed cadmium can be excluded. The results were comparable to literature values. Cadmium intake was higher in men than in women owing to their higher food consumption. No differences were observed between cadmium intake in 1988 and 1991. The relative contribution of different food groups to cadmium consumption amounted to: bread, cake and pastries, 41%; potatoes, 14%; vegetables, 10%; meat, sausage and fish 9%.