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Carrots, a beet, parsnips, sweet potato and potatoes illustrating beet ingredient context.

Heavy metals in Beet

Lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic and total mercury in beet: monitoring results, studies, references by form and basis, limits, testing and controls.

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Beet in the HMI library has 129 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, Sr and Ti from 13 sources.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →2Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →3Kiczorowski P, Kiczorowska B, Samolinska W, Szmigielski M, Winiarska-Mieczan A · 2022Effect of fermentation of chosen vegetables on the nutrient, mineral, and biocomponent profile in human and animal nutritionScientific ReportsRead source →4Altıkulaç A, Turhan Ş, Altuner EM, Şekeroğlu B, Kurnaz A · 2025Evaluation of Health Risks Associated with Potential Toxic Elements in Selected Vegetables Consumed in the Western Black Sea Region of TurkeyACS Omega 2025, 10, 8843-8858Read source →5Cherfi A, Abdoun S, Gaci O · 2014Food survey: Levels and potential health risks of chromium, lead, zinc and copper content in fruits and vegetables consumed in AlgeriaFood and Chemical ToxicologyRead source →6Chmielewski J, Wszelaczyńska E, Pobereżny J, Florek-Łuszczki M, Gworek B · 2025Heavy Metals in Leafy Vegetables and Soft Fruits from Allotment Gardens in the Warsaw Agglomeration: Health Risk AssessmentSustainability 2025, 17, 6666Read source →

Beet overview

Beet in the HMI library has 129 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, Sr and Ti from 13 sources.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →2Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →3Kiczorowski P, Kiczorowska B, Samolinska W, Szmigielski M, Winiarska-Mieczan A · 2022Effect of fermentation of chosen vegetables on the nutrient, mineral, and biocomponent profile in human and animal nutritionScientific ReportsRead source →4Altıkulaç A, Turhan Ş, Altuner EM, Şekeroğlu B, Kurnaz A · 2025Evaluation of Health Risks Associated with Potential Toxic Elements in Selected Vegetables Consumed in the Western Black Sea Region of TurkeyACS Omega 2025, 10, 8843-8858Read source →5Cherfi A, Abdoun S, Gaci O · 2014Food survey: Levels and potential health risks of chromium, lead, zinc and copper content in fruits and vegetables consumed in AlgeriaFood and Chemical ToxicologyRead source →6Chmielewski J, Wszelaczyńska E, Pobereżny J, Florek-Łuszczki M, Gworek B · 2025Heavy Metals in Leafy Vegetables and Soft Fruits from Allotment Gardens in the Warsaw Agglomeration: Health Risk AssessmentSustainability 2025, 17, 6666Read source → WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in beet, as sold from 186 results in 3 reporting regions, with subgroup medians from 4.36 to 20 µg/kg.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source → For cadmium, GEMS/Food gave subgroup medians from 15.3 to 16 µg/kg from 158 results.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →

Guerra et al. 2012 reported lead at 580 µg/kg (mean) in beet, as sold from CEAGESP wholesale market.2Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source → Across 2 other studies of ordinary farms and markets, reported cadmium means and medians on a dry-weight basis ranged from 200 µg/kg (Sultana et al. 2022) to 1,030 µg/kg (Chmielewski et al. 2025).6Chmielewski J, Wszelaczyńska E, Pobereżny J, Florek-Łuszczki M, Gworek B · 2025Heavy Metals in Leafy Vegetables and Soft Fruits from Allotment Gardens in the Warsaw Agglomeration: Health Risk AssessmentSustainability 2025, 17, 6666Read source →8Sultana R, Tanvir RU, Hussain KA, Chamon AS, Mondol MN · 2022Heavy Metals in Commonly Consumed Root and Leafy Vegetables in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, and Assessment of Associated Public Health RisksEnvironmental Systems ResearchRead source → Higher results came from contaminated or exposed settings rather than ordinary supply. Beet, as sold from Cu100Zn100Pb100 (experiment) had Zn higher at 11,200 µg/kg, against 2,700 µg/kg for control plot, no metal addition, no fertilizer in the same study.7N. V. Gromakova · 2017Yield Assessment of Beetroot and Potato, Cultivated on Ordinary Chernozem Contaminated with Heavy MetalsVegetable Crops of Russia 5(38):74–75Read source →

For a buyer the practical points are the form bought, the basis a result is reported on, where the beet came from and the laboratory’s reporting limit. Testing finds contamination but does not remove it.

What counts as beet

This page covers beet, as sold (129 results).1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →2Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →3Kiczorowski P, Kiczorowska B, Samolinska W, Szmigielski M, Winiarska-Mieczan A · 2022Effect of fermentation of chosen vegetables on the nutrient, mineral, and biocomponent profile in human and animal nutritionScientific ReportsRead source →4Altıkulaç A, Turhan Ş, Altuner EM, Şekeroğlu B, Kurnaz A · 2025Evaluation of Health Risks Associated with Potential Toxic Elements in Selected Vegetables Consumed in the Western Black Sea Region of TurkeyACS Omega 2025, 10, 8843-8858Read source →5Cherfi A, Abdoun S, Gaci O · 2014Food survey: Levels and potential health risks of chromium, lead, zinc and copper content in fruits and vegetables consumed in AlgeriaFood and Chemical ToxicologyRead source →6Chmielewski J, Wszelaczyńska E, Pobereżny J, Florek-Łuszczki M, Gworek B · 2025Heavy Metals in Leafy Vegetables and Soft Fruits from Allotment Gardens in the Warsaw Agglomeration: Health Risk AssessmentSustainability 2025, 17, 6666Read source →

Results stay on the basis each source reports: as sold or fresh weight, dry weight, or unstated. Dry-weight, as-sold and unstated results are never pooled, and no moisture conversion is applied.

Heavy metal contamination profile of beet

The table holds every extracted beet result: one row for each statistic a source reports for a form, group and metal, 129 rows in all, grouped by metal and form; percentiles, ranges and maxima for the same samples as a mean or median are shown on that row.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →2Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →3Kiczorowski P, Kiczorowska B, Samolinska W, Szmigielski M, Winiarska-Mieczan A · 2022Effect of fermentation of chosen vegetables on the nutrient, mineral, and biocomponent profile in human and animal nutritionScientific ReportsRead source →4Altıkulaç A, Turhan Ş, Altuner EM, Şekeroğlu B, Kurnaz A · 2025Evaluation of Health Risks Associated with Potential Toxic Elements in Selected Vegetables Consumed in the Western Black Sea Region of TurkeyACS Omega 2025, 10, 8843-8858Read source →5Cherfi A, Abdoun S, Gaci O · 2014Food survey: Levels and potential health risks of chromium, lead, zinc and copper content in fruits and vegetables consumed in AlgeriaFood and Chemical ToxicologyRead source →6Chmielewski J, Wszelaczyńska E, Pobereżny J, Florek-Łuszczki M, Gworek B · 2025Heavy Metals in Leafy Vegetables and Soft Fruits from Allotment Gardens in the Warsaw Agglomeration: Health Risk AssessmentSustainability 2025, 17, 6666Read source → Monitoring medians are HMI calculations from individual submissions; non-detects remain intervals between zero and the reporting limit and are never read as zero.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →

28 rows can be rated against an HMI reference for the same form and basis, 36 rows have a direct same-study comparison, and the rest stay unrated with the reason recorded. 2 values from 2 sources failed a check against their own source and are shown but not compared.5Cherfi A, Abdoun S, Gaci O · 2014Food survey: Levels and potential health risks of chromium, lead, zinc and copper content in fruits and vegetables consumed in AlgeriaFood and Chemical ToxicologyRead source →8Sultana R, Tanvir RU, Hussain KA, Chamon AS, Mondol MN · 2022Heavy Metals in Commonly Consumed Root and Leafy Vegetables in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, and Assessment of Associated Public Health RisksEnvironmental Systems ResearchRead source →

Comparison methods and scope

Each row is one statistic a source reports for one form of beet, group and metal; percentiles, ranges and maxima reported for the same samples as a mean or median are shown on that row. Different forms and preparation states are kept apart, and dry-weight results never share a reference with as-sold or fresh-weight results. Ratings place a result against an HMI reference built from monitoring results and ordinary-setting medians for the same form and basis. Same-study contrasts compare a contaminated or treated site with its control, targeted with random sampling, a prepared form with the unprocessed one, or one group of a study with the median of its other groups. Held rows failed a check against their own source and are shown but not compared.

About this table
Food formCollection scopeFindingComparisonEvidence
Beet findings from monitoring programmes, total diet studies and every extracted field, market and contaminated-site study, in µg/kg with each source’s form, basis, statistic and censoring retained.
Food formCollection scopeFinding (µg/kg)ComparisonEvidence
29 findings · 10 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Beet, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2003–2017As sold / freshmedian.
Beet, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2000–2002As sold / freshmedian.
Beet, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2014–2016As sold / freshmedian.
Beet, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2003–2010As sold / freshmedian.
Beet, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2013As sold / freshmedian.
Beet, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2011–2012As sold / freshmedian.
Beet, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodSEARO2012–2013As sold / freshmedian.
Beet, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodWPRO2008As sold / freshmedian.
Beet, as soldGuerra et al. 2012CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / freshmean.
Beet, as soldKiczorowski et al. 2022fermented (2.5% NaCl brine, 3 weeks at 24 °C)Collection date unreportedAs sold / freshmean.
Beet, as soldKiczorowski et al. 2022raw (unfermented)Collection date unreportedAs sold / freshmean.
Beet, as soldAltıkulaç et al. 2025Group III2021–2022sample value.
Beet, as soldCherfi et al. 2014Boumerdes wholesale markets2012mean.
Beet, as soldChmielewski et al. 2025Warsaw allotment gardens2022–2023mean.Same samples: 1,000 µg/kg (minimum); 18,000 µg/kg (maximum)
Beet, as soldRani et al. 2025leaves vegetable2017–2018not detected.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 20221st phase (early)Collection date unreportednot detected.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 20222nd phase (mid)Collection date unreportednot detected.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 20223rd phase (mid)Collection date unreportednot detected.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 20224th phase (late)Collection date unreportednot detected.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 2022all four phasesCollection date unreportednot detected.
Beet, as soldGromakova 2017control plot, no metal addition, no fertilizer2015Basis not statedmean.
Beet, as soldGromakova 2017Cu100Zn100Pb1002015Basis not statedmean.
Beet, as soldGromakova 2017N60P60K60 fertilizer + Cu100Zn100Pb1002015Basis not statedmean.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 1 (glass jar)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 1 (tin can)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 2 (glass jar)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 2 (tin can)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 3 (glass jar)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 3 (tin can)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
19 findings · 8 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Beet, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2003–2017As sold / freshmedian.
Beet, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO1999–2018As sold / freshmedian.
Beet, as soldGuerra et al. 2012CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / freshmean.
Beet, as soldKiczorowski et al. 2022fermented (2.5% NaCl brine, 3 weeks at 24 °C)Collection date unreportedAs sold / freshmean.
Beet, as soldKiczorowski et al. 2022raw (unfermented)Collection date unreportedAs sold / freshmean.
Beet, as soldAltıkulaç et al. 2025Group III2021–2022sample value.
Beet, as soldChmielewski et al. 2025Warsaw allotment gardens2022–2023mean.Same samples: 100 µg/kg (minimum); 2,400 µg/kg (maximum)
Beet, as soldRani et al. 2025leaves vegetable2017–2018mean.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 20221st phase (early)Collection date unreportedsample value.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 20222nd phase (mid)Collection date unreportedsample value.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 20223rd phase (mid)Collection date unreportedsample value.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 20224th phase (late)Collection date unreportedsample value.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 2022all four phasesCollection date unreportedmean.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 1 (glass jar)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 1 (tin can)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 2 (glass jar)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 2 (tin can)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 3 (glass jar)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 3 (tin can)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
7 findings · 2 studies
Beet, as soldAltıkulaç et al. 2025Group III2021–2022not detected.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 1 (glass jar)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 1 (tin can)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 2 (glass jar)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 2 (tin can)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 3 (glass jar)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 3 (tin can)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
1 finding · 1 study
Beet, as soldEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 2014European dietary-survey occurrence data2003–2013Basis not statedmean.
2 findings · 1 study
Beet, as soldDabeka et al. 2003Ottawa composite (retail Oct-Nov 2000)1998–2000As sold / freshsample value.
Beet, as soldDabeka et al. 2003Whitehorse composite (retail Jan-Feb 1998)1998–2000As sold / freshnot detected.
8 findings · 4 studies
Beet, as soldGuerra et al. 2012CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / freshmean.
Beet, as soldAltıkulaç et al. 2025Group III2021–2022sample value.
Beet, as soldRani et al. 2025leaves vegetable2017–2018mean.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 20221st phase (early)Collection date unreportednot detected.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 20222nd phase (mid)Collection date unreportednot detected.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 20223rd phase (mid)Collection date unreportedsample value.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 20224th phase (late)Collection date unreportedsample value.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 2022all four phasesCollection date unreportedmean.
11 findings · 6 studies
Beet, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, LB2000–2013As sold / freshmean.
Beet, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, UB2000–2013As sold / freshmean.
Beet, as soldGuerra et al. 2012CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / freshmean.
Beet, as soldAltıkulaç et al. 2025Group III2021–2022sample value.
Beet, as soldCherfi et al. 2014Boumerdes wholesale markets2012mean.
Beet, as soldRani et al. 2025leaves vegetable2017–2018mean.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 20221st phase (early)Collection date unreportedsample value.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 20222nd phase (mid)Collection date unreportedsample value.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 20223rd phase (mid)Collection date unreportedsample value.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 20224th phase (late)Collection date unreportedsample value.
Beet, as soldSultana et al. 2022all four phasesCollection date unreportedmean.
2 findings · 2 studies
Beet, as soldAltıkulaç et al. 2025Group III2021–2022sample value.
Beet, as soldRani et al. 2025leaves vegetable2017–2018mean.
3 findings · 3 studies
Beet, as soldGuerra et al. 2012CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / freshmean.
Beet, as soldAltıkulaç et al. 2025Group III2021–2022sample value.
Beet, as soldRani et al. 2025leaves vegetable2017–2018mean.
13 findings · 6 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Beet, as soldAltıkulaç et al. 2025Group III2021–2022sample value.
Beet, as soldCherfi et al. 2014Boumerdes wholesale markets2012mean.
Beet, as soldChmielewski et al. 2025Warsaw allotment gardens2022–2023mean.Same samples: 9,900 µg/kg (minimum); 87,400 µg/kg (maximum)
Beet, as soldRani et al. 2025leaves vegetable2017–2018mean.
Beet, as soldGromakova 2017control plot, no metal addition, no fertilizer2015Basis not statedmean.
Beet, as soldGromakova 2017Cu100Zn100Pb1002015Basis not statedmean.
Beet, as soldGromakova 2017N60P60K60 fertilizer + Cu100Zn100Pb1002015Basis not statedmean.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 1 (glass jar)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 1 (tin can)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 2 (glass jar)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 2 (tin can)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 3 (glass jar)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 3 (tin can)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
3 findings · 3 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Beet, as soldAltıkulaç et al. 2025Group III2021–2022sample value.
Beet, as soldChmielewski et al. 2025Warsaw allotment gardens2022–2023mean.Same samples: 250,000 µg/kg (minimum); 1,000,000 µg/kg (maximum)
Beet, as soldRani et al. 2025leaves vegetable2017–2018mean.
3 findings · 3 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Beet, as soldAltıkulaç et al. 2025Group III2021–2022sample value.
Beet, as soldChmielewski et al. 2025Warsaw allotment gardens2022–2023mean.Same samples: 28,000 µg/kg (minimum); 113,000 µg/kg (maximum)
Beet, as soldRani et al. 2025leaves vegetable2017–2018mean.
13 findings · 6 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Beet, as soldAltıkulaç et al. 2025Group III2021–2022sample value.
Beet, as soldCherfi et al. 2014Boumerdes wholesale markets2012mean.
Beet, as soldChmielewski et al. 2025Warsaw allotment gardens2022–2023mean.Same samples: 60,000 µg/kg (minimum); 254,000 µg/kg (maximum)
Beet, as soldRani et al. 2025leaves vegetable2017–2018mean.
Beet, as soldGromakova 2017control plot, no metal addition, no fertilizer2015Basis not statedmean.
Beet, as soldGromakova 2017Cu100Zn100Pb1002015Basis not statedmean.
Beet, as soldGromakova 2017N60P60K60 fertilizer + Cu100Zn100Pb1002015Basis not statedmean.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 1 (glass jar)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 1 (tin can)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 2 (glass jar)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 2 (tin can)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 3 (glass jar)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
Beet, as soldTodorovska 2023unit 3 (tin can)Collection date unreportedBasis not statedsample value.
1 finding · 1 study
Beet, as soldAltıkulaç et al. 2025Group III2021–2022sample value.
1 finding · 1 study
Beet, as soldAltıkulaç et al. 2025Group III2021–2022sample value.
1 finding · 1 study
Beet, as soldAltıkulaç et al. 2025Group III2021–2022sample value.
Shared dataset methods and interpretation

Source summaries retain their original statistic, material, basis and censoring. Each source drawer identifies methods and overlapping samples. No matched reference or pooled distribution is inferred.

HMI beet Pb reference · Beet, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI beet Pb reference · Beet, as sold. Beet, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤4.992.9–7 (bounded)4.99–7 (bounded)
Alternative weighting≤5.72.9–7 (bounded)5.7–8.05 (bounded)

34 reference units; 1 sampling family. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
WHO GEMS/Food34100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for beet, as sold on a as sold, as eaten or fresh weight basis: monitoring results summarized as one median per reporting region, sampling type and collection year, total diet composites and printed sample values as single observations, and printed subgroup medians from ordinary farms or markets. Each sampling family has equal total weight. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations. Other forms, other bases, targeted sampling and results from mining, industrial, wastewater-affected, experimental, fertiliser or manufacturer settings are kept out of this reference.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for beet, as sold on this basis in the completed beet ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:beet-bd05ebe7cf6a:34b368cd3d72

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI beet Pb reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI beet Pb reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight. Beet, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤1710854–5850 (bounded)1710–10000 (bounded)
Alternative weighting≤1710854–5850 (bounded)1710–10000 (bounded)

5 reference units; 2 sampling families. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Altıkulaç et al. 2025150%
Sultana et al. 2022450%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for beet, as sold on a dry weight basis: monitoring results summarized as one median per reporting region, sampling type and collection year, total diet composites and printed sample values as single observations, and printed subgroup medians from ordinary farms or markets. Each sampling family has equal total weight. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations. Other forms, other bases, targeted sampling and results from mining, industrial, wastewater-affected, experimental, fertiliser or manufacturer settings are kept out of this reference.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

2 sampling families with different designs; none is a probability sample of world supply. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:beet-7de85fdd821d:94d72fdacd02

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI beet Cd reference · Beet, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI beet Cd reference · Beet, as sold. Beet, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference13.91619
Alternative weighting12.816.318.8

33 reference units; 1 sampling family. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
WHO GEMS/Food33100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for beet, as sold on a as sold, as eaten or fresh weight basis: monitoring results summarized as one median per reporting region, sampling type and collection year, total diet composites and printed sample values as single observations, and printed subgroup medians from ordinary farms or markets. Each sampling family has equal total weight. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations. Other forms, other bases, targeted sampling and results from mining, industrial, wastewater-affected, experimental, fertiliser or manufacturer settings are kept out of this reference.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for beet, as sold on this basis in the completed beet ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:beet-720c193f5264:8a80a7e3f589

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI beet Cd reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI beet Cd reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight. Beet, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference150489578
Alternative weighting150489578

5 reference units; 2 sampling families. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Altıkulaç et al. 2025150%
Sultana et al. 2022450%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for beet, as sold on a dry weight basis: monitoring results summarized as one median per reporting region, sampling type and collection year, total diet composites and printed sample values as single observations, and printed subgroup medians from ordinary farms or markets. Each sampling family has equal total weight. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations. Other forms, other bases, targeted sampling and results from mining, industrial, wastewater-affected, experimental, fertiliser or manufacturer settings are kept out of this reference.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

2 sampling families with different designs; none is a probability sample of world supply. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:beet-15295f2d2aab:f747598a6028

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI beet tAs reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI beet tAs reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight. Beet, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤2.79≤2.79≤2.79
Alternative weighting≤2.79≤2.79≤2.79

1 reference units; 1 sampling family. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Altıkulaç et al. 20251100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for beet, as sold on a dry weight basis: monitoring results summarized as one median per reporting region, sampling type and collection year, total diet composites and printed sample values as single observations, and printed subgroup medians from ordinary farms or markets. Each sampling family has equal total weight. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations. Other forms, other bases, targeted sampling and results from mining, industrial, wastewater-affected, experimental, fertiliser or manufacturer settings are kept out of this reference.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Altıkulaç et al. 2025 is the only compatible sampling family for beet, as sold on this basis in the completed beet ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:beet-d891a9c2d8c8:63983d2241ca

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI beet tHg reference · Beet, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI beet tHg reference · Beet, as sold. Beet, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤0.10.05–0.11 (bounded)0.1–0.12 (bounded)
Alternative weighting≤0.10.05–0.11 (bounded)0.1–0.12 (bounded)

2 reference units; 1 sampling family. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Dabeka et al. 20032100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for beet, as sold on a as sold, as eaten or fresh weight basis: monitoring results summarized as one median per reporting region, sampling type and collection year, total diet composites and printed sample values as single observations, and printed subgroup medians from ordinary farms or markets. Each sampling family has equal total weight. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations. Other forms, other bases, targeted sampling and results from mining, industrial, wastewater-affected, experimental, fertiliser or manufacturer settings are kept out of this reference.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Dabeka et al. 2003 is the only compatible sampling family for beet, as sold on this basis in the completed beet ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:beet-b2e62fd253b8:e1ac470dea46

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI beet Ni reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI beet Ni reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight. Beet, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference400–578 (bounded)14601460
Alternative weighting400–578 (bounded)14601460

5 reference units; 2 sampling families. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Altıkulaç et al. 2025150%
Sultana et al. 2022450%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for beet, as sold on a dry weight basis: monitoring results summarized as one median per reporting region, sampling type and collection year, total diet composites and printed sample values as single observations, and printed subgroup medians from ordinary farms or markets. Each sampling family has equal total weight. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations. Other forms, other bases, targeted sampling and results from mining, industrial, wastewater-affected, experimental, fertiliser or manufacturer settings are kept out of this reference.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

2 sampling families with different designs; none is a probability sample of world supply. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:beet-b1fd63e41ced:753b9443f910

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI beet Cr reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI beet Cr reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight. Beet, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference115017601760
Alternative weighting115017601760

5 reference units; 2 sampling families. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Altıkulaç et al. 2025150%
Sultana et al. 2022450%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for beet, as sold on a dry weight basis: monitoring results summarized as one median per reporting region, sampling type and collection year, total diet composites and printed sample values as single observations, and printed subgroup medians from ordinary farms or markets. Each sampling family has equal total weight. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations. Other forms, other bases, targeted sampling and results from mining, industrial, wastewater-affected, experimental, fertiliser or manufacturer settings are kept out of this reference.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

2 sampling families with different designs; none is a probability sample of world supply. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:beet-f66ee25e2ac4:0b8a19b30169

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI beet Al reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI beet Al reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight. Beet, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference915009150091500
Alternative weighting915009150091500

1 reference units; 1 sampling family. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Altıkulaç et al. 20251100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for beet, as sold on a dry weight basis: monitoring results summarized as one median per reporting region, sampling type and collection year, total diet composites and printed sample values as single observations, and printed subgroup medians from ordinary farms or markets. Each sampling family has equal total weight. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations. Other forms, other bases, targeted sampling and results from mining, industrial, wastewater-affected, experimental, fertiliser or manufacturer settings are kept out of this reference.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Altıkulaç et al. 2025 is the only compatible sampling family for beet, as sold on this basis in the completed beet ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:beet-74633c9e59f4:96b8d369913c

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI beet Co reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI beet Co reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight. Beet, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference510510510
Alternative weighting510510510

1 reference units; 1 sampling family. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Altıkulaç et al. 20251100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for beet, as sold on a dry weight basis: monitoring results summarized as one median per reporting region, sampling type and collection year, total diet composites and printed sample values as single observations, and printed subgroup medians from ordinary farms or markets. Each sampling family has equal total weight. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations. Other forms, other bases, targeted sampling and results from mining, industrial, wastewater-affected, experimental, fertiliser or manufacturer settings are kept out of this reference.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Altıkulaç et al. 2025 is the only compatible sampling family for beet, as sold on this basis in the completed beet ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:beet-2fc8b2588255:9169b0f02643

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI beet Cu reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI beet Cu reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight. Beet, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference556055605560
Alternative weighting556055605560

1 reference units; 1 sampling family. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Altıkulaç et al. 20251100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for beet, as sold on a dry weight basis: monitoring results summarized as one median per reporting region, sampling type and collection year, total diet composites and printed sample values as single observations, and printed subgroup medians from ordinary farms or markets. Each sampling family has equal total weight. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations. Other forms, other bases, targeted sampling and results from mining, industrial, wastewater-affected, experimental, fertiliser or manufacturer settings are kept out of this reference.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Altıkulaç et al. 2025 is the only compatible sampling family for beet, as sold on this basis in the completed beet ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:beet-7c6b6f6daad3:4009722da057

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI beet Fe reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI beet Fe reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight. Beet, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference111000111000111000
Alternative weighting111000111000111000

1 reference units; 1 sampling family. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Altıkulaç et al. 20251100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for beet, as sold on a dry weight basis: monitoring results summarized as one median per reporting region, sampling type and collection year, total diet composites and printed sample values as single observations, and printed subgroup medians from ordinary farms or markets. Each sampling family has equal total weight. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations. Other forms, other bases, targeted sampling and results from mining, industrial, wastewater-affected, experimental, fertiliser or manufacturer settings are kept out of this reference.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Altıkulaç et al. 2025 is the only compatible sampling family for beet, as sold on this basis in the completed beet ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:beet-bcf98757f2e7:4709de5be0ff

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI beet Mn reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI beet Mn reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight. Beet, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference307003070030700
Alternative weighting307003070030700

1 reference units; 1 sampling family. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Altıkulaç et al. 20251100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for beet, as sold on a dry weight basis: monitoring results summarized as one median per reporting region, sampling type and collection year, total diet composites and printed sample values as single observations, and printed subgroup medians from ordinary farms or markets. Each sampling family has equal total weight. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations. Other forms, other bases, targeted sampling and results from mining, industrial, wastewater-affected, experimental, fertiliser or manufacturer settings are kept out of this reference.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Altıkulaç et al. 2025 is the only compatible sampling family for beet, as sold on this basis in the completed beet ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:beet-9b59d754eda0:4176233f7be6

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI beet Zn reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI beet Zn reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight. Beet, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference217002170021700
Alternative weighting217002170021700

1 reference units; 1 sampling family. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Altıkulaç et al. 20251100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for beet, as sold on a dry weight basis: monitoring results summarized as one median per reporting region, sampling type and collection year, total diet composites and printed sample values as single observations, and printed subgroup medians from ordinary farms or markets. Each sampling family has equal total weight. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations. Other forms, other bases, targeted sampling and results from mining, industrial, wastewater-affected, experimental, fertiliser or manufacturer settings are kept out of this reference.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Altıkulaç et al. 2025 is the only compatible sampling family for beet, as sold on this basis in the completed beet ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:beet-cf49f3329592:5da86ad98db6

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI beet V reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI beet V reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight. Beet, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference248024802480
Alternative weighting248024802480

1 reference units; 1 sampling family. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Altıkulaç et al. 20251100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for beet, as sold on a dry weight basis: monitoring results summarized as one median per reporting region, sampling type and collection year, total diet composites and printed sample values as single observations, and printed subgroup medians from ordinary farms or markets. Each sampling family has equal total weight. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations. Other forms, other bases, targeted sampling and results from mining, industrial, wastewater-affected, experimental, fertiliser or manufacturer settings are kept out of this reference.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Altıkulaç et al. 2025 is the only compatible sampling family for beet, as sold on this basis in the completed beet ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:beet-b5feb40c5e91:cfe1a17cad4d

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI beet Sr reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI beet Sr reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight. Beet, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference464004640046400
Alternative weighting464004640046400

1 reference units; 1 sampling family. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Altıkulaç et al. 20251100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for beet, as sold on a dry weight basis: monitoring results summarized as one median per reporting region, sampling type and collection year, total diet composites and printed sample values as single observations, and printed subgroup medians from ordinary farms or markets. Each sampling family has equal total weight. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations. Other forms, other bases, targeted sampling and results from mining, industrial, wastewater-affected, experimental, fertiliser or manufacturer settings are kept out of this reference.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Altıkulaç et al. 2025 is the only compatible sampling family for beet, as sold on this basis in the completed beet ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:beet-8e08687267ef:f009d92bb2a8

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI beet Ti reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI beet Ti reference · Beet, as sold, dry weight. Beet, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference743074307430
Alternative weighting743074307430

1 reference units; 1 sampling family. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Altıkulaç et al. 20251100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for beet, as sold on a dry weight basis: monitoring results summarized as one median per reporting region, sampling type and collection year, total diet composites and printed sample values as single observations, and printed subgroup medians from ordinary farms or markets. Each sampling family has equal total weight. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations. Other forms, other bases, targeted sampling and results from mining, industrial, wastewater-affected, experimental, fertiliser or manufacturer settings are kept out of this reference.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Altıkulaç et al. 2025 is the only compatible sampling family for beet, as sold on this basis in the completed beet ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:beet-3543b09b736a:47a0ccd4fc87

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

1 dataset

How metals reach beet

The evidence on how metals reach beet comes from studies that compared exposed and ordinary settings. Beet, as sold from Cu100Zn100Pb100 (experiment) had Zn higher at 11,200 µg/kg, against 2,700 µg/kg for control plot, no metal addition, no fertilizer in the same study.7N. V. Gromakova · 2017Yield Assessment of Beetroot and Potato, Cultivated on Ordinary Chernozem Contaminated with Heavy MetalsVegetable Crops of Russia 5(38):74–75Read source →

These are observational comparisons from single studies; the size of the difference depends on the site, metal and distance.

Which forms and regions measured lower

The HMI reference for lead in beet, as sold pools 5 subgroup units from 2 sampling families, with a median of between 854 and 5,850 µg/kg and a middle half spanning below 1,710 (lower quartile) and between 1,710 and 10,000 µg/kg (upper quartile).4Altıkulaç A, Turhan Ş, Altuner EM, Şekeroğlu B, Kurnaz A · 2025Evaluation of Health Risks Associated with Potential Toxic Elements in Selected Vegetables Consumed in the Western Black Sea Region of TurkeyACS Omega 2025, 10, 8843-8858Read source →8Sultana R, Tanvir RU, Hussain KA, Chamon AS, Mondol MN · 2022Heavy Metals in Commonly Consumed Root and Leafy Vegetables in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, and Assessment of Associated Public Health RisksEnvironmental Systems ResearchRead source → For lead in beet, as sold, the reference median was between 2.9 and 7 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 4.99 to between 4.99 and 7 µg/kg across 34 units.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source → For cadmium in beet, as sold, the reference median was 489 µg/kg, with a middle half from 150 to 578 µg/kg across 5 units.4Altıkulaç A, Turhan Ş, Altuner EM, Şekeroğlu B, Kurnaz A · 2025Evaluation of Health Risks Associated with Potential Toxic Elements in Selected Vegetables Consumed in the Western Black Sea Region of TurkeyACS Omega 2025, 10, 8843-8858Read source →8Sultana R, Tanvir RU, Hussain KA, Chamon AS, Mondol MN · 2022Heavy Metals in Commonly Consumed Root and Leafy Vegetables in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, and Assessment of Associated Public Health RisksEnvironmental Systems ResearchRead source →

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, beet, as sold had the lowest lead subgroup median in PAHO (4.36 µg/kg) and the highest in SEARO (20 µg/kg); reporting regions are markets, not growing areas.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source → For cadmium, the lowest regional median was in PAHO (15.3 µg/kg) and the highest in PAHO (16 µg/kg).1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →

In one study, lead across 6 groups of beet ranged from 255 µg/kg (unit 3 (glass jar)) to 340 µg/kg (unit 3 (tin can)); the lowest is the lowest observed in that study, not an established sourcing preference.9Todorovska N · 2023DETERMINATION OF Cd, Pb, As, Zn, Cu IN VEGETABLES AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTS AND HERBSJournal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences 77(2):33-38 (2023)Read source → In another study, cadmium across 4 groups of beet ranged from 100 µg/kg (1st phase (early)) to 400 µg/kg (3rd phase (mid)); the lowest is the lowest observed in that study, not an established sourcing preference.8Sultana R, Tanvir RU, Hussain KA, Chamon AS, Mondol MN · 2022Heavy Metals in Commonly Consumed Root and Leafy Vegetables in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, and Assessment of Associated Public Health RisksEnvironmental Systems ResearchRead source →

Processing, cooking and preparation

No processing study for metals in this food is in the library yet.

Mitigation for beet

Lot testing against the applicable limit is the check that can be verified.

No measured way to lower metals in this food is in the library yet.

Trade-offs and limits of controls

Avoiding exposed growing areas lowered the metal measured in the studies available, but no study measured the cost or supply effect of doing so.7N. V. Gromakova · 2017Yield Assessment of Beetroot and Potato, Cultivated on Ordinary Chernozem Contaminated with Heavy MetalsVegetable Crops of Russia 5(38):74–75Read source → Metals do not move together, so a lot that passes a lead limit says little about cadmium, arsenic or nickel unless those are tested as well.

Testing beet for metals

Results depend on the method and its reporting limit. Reporting limits for lead ranged from 0.4 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 10,000 µg/kg (Sultana et al. 2022), so a non-detect from a less sensitive method says much less.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →8Sultana R, Tanvir RU, Hussain KA, Chamon AS, Mondol MN · 2022Heavy Metals in Commonly Consumed Root and Leafy Vegetables in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, and Assessment of Associated Public Health RisksEnvironmental Systems ResearchRead source → Reporting limits for cadmium ranged from 0.64 µg/kg (Altıkulaç et al. 2025) to 5 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food), so a non-detect from a less sensitive method says much less.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →4Altıkulaç A, Turhan Ş, Altuner EM, Şekeroğlu B, Kurnaz A · 2025Evaluation of Health Risks Associated with Potential Toxic Elements in Selected Vegetables Consumed in the Western Black Sea Region of TurkeyACS Omega 2025, 10, 8843-8858Read source →

A useful lot result names the form, the basis and a quantification limit well below the limit that applies.

Buying and verifying beet

No maximum level for metals in beet was verified from primary text for this page; buyers should confirm the limit that applies in the destination market.

Exposure from beet

No source in the library converted beet concentrations into a verified estimate of intake for a defined population. Concentrations describe the food, not individual risk.

Evidence review and remaining gaps

Every source record that names beet was decided on its content: 13 occurrence extracted, 13 records in all. The occurrence table renders every extracted result; held values remain visible with their reason.

References identify the sources used in these answers. The Sources index preserves additional discovery links; inclusion there does not mean a source has been reviewed for this assessment. Corrections, completed searches, new direct evidence and changes in requirements should reopen the relevant answer.

Beet FAQs

What heavy metals are found in beet?

The library reports lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, Sr and Ti in beet, most often lead, cadmium and total arsenic.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →2Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →3Kiczorowski P, Kiczorowska B, Samolinska W, Szmigielski M, Winiarska-Mieczan A · 2022Effect of fermentation of chosen vegetables on the nutrient, mineral, and biocomponent profile in human and animal nutritionScientific ReportsRead source →4Altıkulaç A, Turhan Ş, Altuner EM, Şekeroğlu B, Kurnaz A · 2025Evaluation of Health Risks Associated with Potential Toxic Elements in Selected Vegetables Consumed in the Western Black Sea Region of TurkeyACS Omega 2025, 10, 8843-8858Read source → WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in beet, as sold from 186 results in 3 reporting regions, with subgroup medians from 4.36 to 20 µg/kg.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →

How do heavy metals get into beet?

In the studies available, beet from contaminated or exposed settings carried more metal than beet from the same study’s control.7N. V. Gromakova · 2017Yield Assessment of Beetroot and Potato, Cultivated on Ordinary Chernozem Contaminated with Heavy MetalsVegetable Crops of Russia 5(38):74–75Read source → Beet, as sold from Cu100Zn100Pb100 (experiment) had lead higher at 700 µg/kg, against 400 µg/kg for control plot, no metal addition, no fertilizer in the same study.7N. V. Gromakova · 2017Yield Assessment of Beetroot and Potato, Cultivated on Ordinary Chernozem Contaminated with Heavy MetalsVegetable Crops of Russia 5(38):74–75Read source →

Which regions report the lowest levels in beet?

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, beet, as sold had the lowest lead subgroup median in PAHO (4.36 µg/kg) and the highest in SEARO (20 µg/kg); reporting regions are markets, not growing areas.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source → For cadmium, the lowest regional median was in PAHO (15.3 µg/kg) and the highest in PAHO (16 µg/kg).1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →

How much of the arsenic in beet is inorganic?

Inorganic arsenic, the more toxic form, was measured in 1 result from 1 source, far fewer than total arsenic.10European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · 2014Dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic in the European populationEFSA Journal 2014;12(3):3597Read source → European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 2014 reported inorganic arsenic at 12.2 µg/kg (mean) in beet, as sold from European dietary-survey occurrence data.10European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · 2014Dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic in the European populationEFSA Journal 2014;12(3):3597Read source →

References

Works cited on this page, in citation-number order. See Sources for this page’s source inventory. Each title links to a source record with bibliographic details, reported findings, and document provenance.

  1. GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsWorld Health Organization · GEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment Programme · 2026 · extranet.who.intDataset
  2. Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthGuerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, and Canniatti-Brazaca SG · Scientia Agricola 69(1):54-60 · 2012 · doi.org/10.1590/s0103-90162012000100008Peer-reviewed
  3. Effect of fermentation of chosen vegetables on the nutrient, mineral, and biocomponent profile in human and animal nutritionKiczorowski P, Kiczorowska B, Samolinska W, Szmigielski M, and Winiarska-Mieczan A · Scientific Reports · 2022 · doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-17782-zPeer-reviewed
  4. Evaluation of Health Risks Associated with Potential Toxic Elements in Selected Vegetables Consumed in the Western Black Sea Region of TurkeyAltıkulaç A, Turhan Ş, Altuner EM, Şekeroğlu B, and Kurnaz A · ACS Omega 2025, 10, 8843-8858 · 2025 · doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.3c08152Peer-reviewed
  5. Food survey: Levels and potential health risks of chromium, lead, zinc and copper content in fruits and vegetables consumed in AlgeriaCherfi A, Abdoun S, and Gaci O · Food and Chemical Toxicology · 2014 · doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2014.04.044Peer-reviewed
  6. Heavy Metals in Leafy Vegetables and Soft Fruits from Allotment Gardens in the Warsaw Agglomeration: Health Risk AssessmentChmielewski J, Wszelaczyńska E, Pobereżny J, Florek-Łuszczki M, and Gworek B · Sustainability 2025, 17, 6666 · 2025 · doi.org/10.3390/su17156666Peer-reviewed
  7. Yield Assessment of Beetroot and Potato, Cultivated on Ordinary Chernozem Contaminated with Heavy MetalsN. V. Gromakova · Vegetable Crops of Russia 5(38):74–75 · 2017 · doi.org/10.18619/2072-9146-2017-5-74-75Peer-reviewed
  8. Heavy Metals in Commonly Consumed Root and Leafy Vegetables in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, and Assessment of Associated Public Health RisksSultana R, Tanvir RU, Hussain KA, Chamon AS, and Mondol MN · Environmental Systems Research · 2022 · doi.org/10.1186/s40068-022-00261-9Peer-reviewed
  9. DETERMINATION OF Cd, Pb, As, Zn, Cu IN VEGETABLES AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTS AND HERBSTodorovska N · Journal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences 77(2):33-38 (2023) · 2023 · doi.org/10.55302/JAFES23772033tPeer-reviewed
  10. Dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic in the European populationEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · EFSA Journal 2014;12(3):3597 · 2014 · doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3597Government

Sources

Browse Beet Sources for sources cited on this page and additional discovery candidates. The searchable index distinguishes verified citation use from discovery relationships whose relevance has not been established.

Update history

22 October 2026: Rebuilt from every beet record in the library: 13 occurrence sources, references by form and basis, same-study contrasts.

Referenced by

Graph View