(P17-037-25) Heavy Metals in a Market Basket of Foods in Montevideo, Uruguay: Implications for Dietary Exposures in Low-Income School Children

Objectives: Food contamination is receiving heightened attention, but few comprehensive studies describe heavy metal content in foods or dietary exposure risks to heavy metals among vulnerable groups. We analyzed arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and minerals in a market basket of foods from Montevideo, Uruguay and estimated daily dietary exposure in school children.

Methods: From two 24-hr recalls for 862 low-average income children aged 7 we identified commonly consumed foods and beverages (~90% of the diet by frequency). We purchased fresh, frozen or ultra processed foods in several categories: milk, dairy & eggs (12 items), fruits (10), vegetables (14), breads & rolls (4), pastries & crackers (6), desserts & sweets (12), meats & cold cuts (19), fats & oils (2), cereals & legumes (9), frozen or instant foods (13), sauces & condiments (6). Multiple brands of the same food were pooled. Three samples were taken from each pooled item; digested with nitric and perchloric acid; analyzed via ICP-AES. Metal & mineral values were multiplied by reported food consumption to estimate dietary intake levels.

Results: Preliminary findings suggest that As (< LOQ–1.6 µg/g), Cd (< LOQ–0.3 µg/g), and Pb (< LOQ–355 µg/g) in foods were generally low. Estimated dietary As, Cd, and Pb exposure ranged 0-194, 0.04-6.92, and 0.05-24.1 µg/day, respectively. For lead >50% of children had dietary intake above current FDA guideline of 2.2 µg/day. These diets provided 0.03-7.0, 0.02-8.6, and 0.44-735.4 mg/day of Fe, Zn and Ca, respectively.

Conclusions: Food contamination with Pb and As is a potential concern in this population. Still, the same foods provide 3-4 orders of magnitude higher levels of minerals essential for growth and development compared to heavy metals.

Funding Sources: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences grants R21ES16523, R21ES019949, R01ES023423 (PI: Kordas) and R01ES031411 (MPI Kordas/Queirolo); University at Buffalo Office for International Education.