Heavy metals in Garlic

Quick read

Garlic in the HMI library has 245 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, dimethylarsinic acid, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V and As from 23 sources.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Angelon-Gaetz KA, Klaus C, Chaudhry EA, Bean DK · 2018Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly ReportRead source →}^{4Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{5Guerra 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 →}^{6Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, Font G, Yusà V · 2018Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670Read source →}

Metals measured:
Lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, dimethylarsinic acid and total mercury and others, in 245 results from 23 sources.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Angelon-Gaetz KA, Klaus C, Chaudhry EA, Bean DK · 2018Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly ReportRead source →}^{4Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}
Main drivers:
Form, basis and where the garlic was sampled; reporting limits decide how many results are non-detects.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Angelon-Gaetz KA, Klaus C, Chaudhry EA, Bean DK · 2018Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly ReportRead source →}^{4Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}
Practical framing:
Ask for lot results with a quantification limit well below the limit that applies in the destination market.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Angelon-Gaetz KA, Klaus C, Chaudhry EA, Bean DK · 2018Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly ReportRead source →}^{4Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}

Garlic overview

Garlic in the HMI library has 245 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, dimethylarsinic acid, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V and As from 23 sources.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Angelon-Gaetz KA, Klaus C, Chaudhry EA, Bean DK · 2018Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly ReportRead source →}^{4Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{5Guerra 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 →}^{6Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, Font G, Yusà V · 2018Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670Read source →} WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in garlic, as sold from 1,092 results in 5 reporting regions, with subgroup medians from 7.45 to 330 µg/kg.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} In the US Total Diet Study, garlic, as sold had a median lead result below 4 µg/kg across 6 composites from 2019–2020.^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}

Across 2 other studies of ordinary farms and markets, reported lead means and medians on an as-sold or fresh-weight basis ranged from 12.9 µg/kg (Marín et al. 2018) to 2,500 µg/kg (Guerra et al. 2012).^{5Guerra 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 →}^{6Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, Font G, Yusà V · 2018Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670Read source →} For cadmium, 4 studies on an as-sold or fresh-weight basis reported means and medians from 0.14 µg/kg (Bora et al. 2022) to 120 µg/kg (Guerra et al. 2012).^{4Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{5Guerra 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 →}

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

What counts as garlic

This page covers garlic in 3 forms kept separate in every comparison: garlic, as sold (237 results), garlic, powder or ground (5 results) and garlic, cooked (3 results).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Angelon-Gaetz KA, Klaus C, Chaudhry EA, Bean DK · 2018Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly ReportRead source →}^{4Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{5Guerra 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 →}^{6Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, Font G, Yusà V · 2018Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670Read 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 garlic

The table holds every extracted garlic result: one row for each statistic a source reports for a form, group and metal, 245 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 →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Angelon-Gaetz KA, Klaus C, Chaudhry EA, Bean DK · 2018Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly ReportRead source →}^{4Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{5Guerra 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 →}^{6Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, Font G, Yusà V · 2018Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670Read 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 →}

108 rows can be rated against an HMI reference for the same form and basis, 11 rows have a direct same-study comparison, and the rest stay unrated with the reason recorded. 3 values from 1 source failed a check against their own source and are shown but not compared.^{7Naser HM, Sultana S, Haque MM, Akhter S, Begum RA · 2014Lead, Cadmium and Nickel Accumulation in Some Common Spices Grown in Industrial Areas of BangladeshThe Agriculturists 2014, 12(1): 122-130Read source →}

Comparison methods and scope

Each row is one statistic a source reports for one form of garlic, 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.

Filter findings

AnalyteFood formCollection regionCollection periodSourceCompare withComparable findings only

233 of 233 findings · 19 analytes

About this table

Food formCollection scopeFindingComparisonEvidence

Garlic 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 form	Collection scope	Finding (µg/kg)

55 findings · 17 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2008–2017As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2021As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2017As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2021As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2014–2016As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013–2018As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2011–2014As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	SEARO2011–2018As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	SEARO2019As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2001–2014As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010–2014As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2013As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2021As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2014As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2019–2020As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldAngelon-Gaetz et al. 2018	home investigations for children with elevated blood lead2011–2018As sold / fresh	sample value.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Garlic, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market, Sao Paulo, August 2009; origin unknown2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	mean.Same samples: 5.3 µg/kg (minimum); 22.9 µg/kg (maximum)
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	min.
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	max.
Garlic, as soldSpungen et al. 2024	all samples2018–2020As sold / fresh	not detected.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EMRO2014–2018Dry weight	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2015–2017Dry weight	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013–2017Dry weight	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	SEARO2016Dry weight	median.
Garlic, as soldAl 2010	Vegetables, Riyadh city markets, May 20092009Dry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldFalahati et al. 2025	vegetable farms in four agricultural regions, Babol, MazandaranCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldKowalska 2021	all samples2015–2018Dry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldKowalska 2021	all samples2015–2018Dry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldMatloob 2016	all samples (5 samples per spice, Babil shops)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	directly polluted areaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	directly polluted areaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	directly polluted areaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	indirectly polluted areaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	indirectly polluted areaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	indirectly polluted areaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	non-polluted area (BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	non-polluted area (BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	non-polluted area (BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldOladoye et al. 2016	natural spice, Odo-Ori Market sample Spice-12015Dry weight	not detected.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, mean of 4 phases over 2 monthsCollection date unreportedDry weight	not detected.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 1Collection date unreportedDry weight	not detected.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 2Collection date unreportedDry weight	not detected.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 3Collection date unreportedDry weight	not detected.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 4Collection date unreportedDry weight	not detected.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	SEARO2016Basis not stated	median.
Garlic, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
Garlic, as soldMawari et al. 2022	Chandrahal farm, Solapur2017Basis not stated	mean.
Garlic, as soldOsei-Safo et al. 2024	garlic (India/Morocco), 3 Accra markets pooledCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	mean.
1 finding · 1 study
Garlic, powder or groundDarko et al. 2014	UM-3; origin IndiaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
1 finding · 1 study
Garlic, cookedWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2014As sold / fresh	median.

51 findings · 18 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EMRO2018As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2006As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2008–2017As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2001–2019As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2006As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2017As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2004As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2015–2016As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2019As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010–2014As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2001–2010As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2021As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2019–2020As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market, Sao Paulo, August 2009; origin unknown2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	mean.Same samples: 3.8 µg/kg (minimum); 18.1 µg/kg (maximum)
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	min.
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	max.
Garlic, as soldSpungen et al. 2024	all samples2018–2020As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2015–2019Dry weight	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2017Dry weight	median.
Garlic, as soldFalahati et al. 2025	vegetable farms in four agricultural regions, Babol, MazandaranCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldKowalska 2021	all samples2015–2018Dry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldKowalska 2021	all samples2015–2018Dry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldMatloob 2016	all samples (5 samples per spice, Babil shops)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	directly polluted areaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	directly polluted areaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	directly polluted areaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	indirectly polluted areaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	indirectly polluted areaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	indirectly polluted areaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	non-polluted area (BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	non-polluted area (BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	non-polluted area (BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldOladoye et al. 2016	natural spice, Odo-Ori Market sample Spice-12015Dry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, mean of 4 phases over 2 monthsCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 1Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 2Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 3Collection date unreportedDry weight	not detected.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 4Collection date unreportedDry weight	not detected.
Garlic, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
Garlic, as soldJoint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives 2022	GEMS/Food contaminants database2011Basis not stated	mean.
Garlic, as soldMawari et al. 2022	Chandrahal farm, Solapur2017Basis not stated	mean.
Garlic, as soldOsei-Safo et al. 2024	garlic (India/Morocco), 3 Accra markets pooledCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	mean.
Garlic, as soldOsei-Safo et al. 2024	Madina market (India-origin)Collection date unreportedBasis not stated	mean.
Garlic, as soldU.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Reform, Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy 2021	US baby-food manufacturer B, ingredient lot, test date 6/8/20182016–2019Basis not stated	sample value.
Garlic, as soldZealand 2019	national/regional composite samples, Australia2013–2014Basis not stated	mean.
1 finding · 1 study
Garlic, powder or groundDarko et al. 2014	UM-3; origin IndiaCollection date unreportedDry weight	not detected.
2 findings · 1 study
Garlic, cookedWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2004As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, cookedWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2014As sold / fresh	median.

17 findings · 7 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2014–2015As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2005–2023As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2012As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2002–2012As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2014–2023As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2014As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2013–2014As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2021As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2013–2014As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2019–2020As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	mean.Same samples: 2.9 µg/kg (minimum); 18.5 µg/kg (maximum)
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	min.
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	max.
Garlic, as soldKowalska 2021	all samples2015–2018Dry weight	not detected.
Garlic, as soldKowalska 2021	all samples2015–2018Dry weight	not detected.
Garlic, as soldMawari et al. 2022	Chandrahal farm, Solapur2017Basis not stated	mean.
Garlic, as soldOsei-Safo et al. 2024	garlic (India/Morocco), 3 Accra markets pooledCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	mean.
Garlic, as soldOsei-Safo et al. 2024	Madina market (India-origin)Collection date unreportedBasis not stated	mean.
Garlic, as soldZealand 2019	national/regional composite samples, Australia2013–2014Basis not stated	mean.

5 findings · 3 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2017As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2022–2023As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010–2022As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	mean.Same samples: 0.9 µg/kg (minimum); 5.9 µg/kg (maximum)
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	min.
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	max.
Garlic, as soldCentre for Food Safety FEHD HKSAR 2012	all samples (4 sampling occasions, composites)2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.

1 finding · 1 study
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2022–2023As sold / fresh	median.

10 findings · 5 studies
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2014–2015As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2001–2016As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2017As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2014As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2021As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2019–2020As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldKowalska 2021	all samples2015–2018Dry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldKowalska 2021	all samples2015–2018Dry weight	not detected.
Garlic, as soldMatloob 2016	all samples (5 samples per spice, Babil shops)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldMawari et al. 2022	Chandrahal farm, Solapur2017Basis not stated	mean.

19 findings · 6 studies
Garlic, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2019–2020As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market, Sao Paulo, August 2009; origin unknown2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldMatloob 2016	all samples (5 samples per spice, Babil shops)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	directly polluted areaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	directly polluted areaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	directly polluted areaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	indirectly polluted areaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	indirectly polluted areaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	indirectly polluted areaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	non-polluted area (BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	non-polluted area (BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldNaser et al. 2014	non-polluted area (BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, mean of 4 phases over 2 monthsCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 1Collection date unreportedDry weight	not detected.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 2Collection date unreportedDry weight	not detected.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 3Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 4Collection date unreportedDry weight	not detected.
Garlic, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.

13 findings · 7 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2021As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2019–2020As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, LB2000–2013As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, UB2000–2013As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market, Sao Paulo, August 2009; origin unknown2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	mean.Same samples: 2.9 µg/kg (minimum); 67.4 µg/kg (maximum)
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	min.
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	max.
Garlic, as soldMatloob 2016	all samples (5 samples per spice, Babil shops)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, mean of 4 phases over 2 monthsCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 1Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 2Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 3Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 4Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.

1 finding · 1 study
Garlic, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.

4 findings · 3 studies
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010–2011As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2021As sold / fresh	median.
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	not detected.
Garlic, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	not detected.

1 finding · 1 study
Garlic, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	not detected.

1 finding · 1 study
Garlic, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2019–2020As sold / fresh	median.

3 findings · 2 studies
Garlic, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market, Sao Paulo, August 2009; origin unknown2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldMatloob 2016	all samples (5 samples per spice, Babil shops)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.

8 findings · 4 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	mean.Same samples: 642 µg/kg (minimum); 2,350 µg/kg (maximum)
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	min.
Garlic, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011As sold / fresh	max.
Garlic, as soldMatloob 2016	all samples (5 samples per spice, Babil shops)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldOladoye et al. 2016	natural spice, Odo-Ori Market sample Spice-12015Dry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, mean of 4 phases over 2 monthsCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 1Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 2Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 3Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 4Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
1 finding · 1 study
Garlic, powder or groundDarko et al. 2014	UM-3; origin IndiaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.

9 findings · 4 studies
Garlic, as soldMatloob 2016	all samples (5 samples per spice, Babil shops)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldOladoye et al. 2016	natural spice, Odo-Ori Market sample Spice-12015Dry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, mean of 4 phases over 2 monthsCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 1Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 2Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 3Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 4Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldOsei-Safo et al. 2024	garlic (India/Morocco), 3 Accra markets pooledCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	mean.
Garlic, as soldOsei-Safo et al. 2024	Kaneshie market (India-origin)Collection date unreportedBasis not stated	mean.
1 finding · 1 study
Garlic, powder or groundDarko et al. 2014	UM-3; origin IndiaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.

6 findings · 2 studies
Garlic, as soldMatloob 2016	all samples (5 samples per spice, Babil shops)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, mean of 4 phases over 2 monthsCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 1Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 2Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 3Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 4Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.

14 findings · 5 studies
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldFalahati et al. 2025	vegetable farms in four agricultural regions, Babol, MazandaranCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldMatloob 2016	all samples (5 samples per spice, Babil shops)Collection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, mean of 4 phases over 2 monthsCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 1Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 2Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 3Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldSultana et al. 2021	Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 4Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Garlic, as soldOsei-Safo et al. 2024	garlic (India/Morocco), 3 Accra markets pooledCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	mean.
1 finding · 1 study
Garlic, powder or groundDarko et al. 2014	UM-3; origin IndiaCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.

1 finding · 1 study
Garlic, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	not detected.

6 findings · 1 study
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Garlic, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	mean.

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 garlic Pb reference · Garlic, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤4	≤4	2170
Alternative weighting	≤4	≤4	2170

77 reference units; 4 sampling families. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	69	25%
FDA Total Diet Study	6	25%
Angelon-Gaetz et al. 2018	1	25%
Spungen et al. 2024	1	25%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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

4 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:garlic-8ba1e69a9b58:ef22bc40c43d

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 garlic Pb reference · Garlic, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤15	19.3–27.5 (bounded)	42.6–43.1 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤15	19.3–27.5 (bounded)	42.6–43.1 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	8	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for garlic, as sold on this basis in the completed garlic 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

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:garlic-30ac32733f8c:18fcaf32ee2b

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 garlic Pb reference · Garlic, as sold, basis not stated

Reference and scope

HMI garlic Pb reference · Garlic, as sold, basis not stated. Garlic, as sold; Basis not stated by the source, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	89.5	89.5	89.5
Alternative weighting	89.5	89.5	89.5

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, as sold on a basis not stated by the source 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 garlic, as sold on this basis in the completed garlic 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

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:garlic-06061ec47d28:4afa4f42c764

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 garlic Pb reference · Garlic, cooked

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	2.5	2.5	2.5
Alternative weighting	2.5	2.5	2.5

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, cooked 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 garlic, cooked on this basis in the completed garlic 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

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:garlic-5d5c760db689:4f0682a1f694

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 garlic Cd reference · Garlic, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	9.8–10 (bounded)	15	21.5
Alternative weighting	9.8–10 (bounded)	15	21.5

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	44	50%
FDA Total Diet Study	6	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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

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:garlic-865bed55b79f:953e82683cad

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 garlic Cd reference · Garlic, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	130	300	450
Alternative weighting	130	300	450

9 reference units; 3 sampling families. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	6	33%
Oladoye et al. 2016	1	33%
Sultana et al. 2021	2	33%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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

3 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:garlic-463e16041fa1:f8c70dd4da05

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 garlic Cd reference · Garlic, powder or ground, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI garlic Cd reference · Garlic, powder or ground, dry weight. Garlic, powder or ground; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤10	≤10	≤10
Alternative weighting	≤10	≤10	≤10

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Darko et al. 2014	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, powder or ground 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

Darko et al. 2014 is the only compatible sampling family for garlic, powder or ground on this basis in the completed garlic 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

Darko et al. 2014

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:garlic-f0d6cbbb2849:fa3c40314cdf

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 garlic Cd reference · Garlic, cooked

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	13.2	15.6	18
Alternative weighting	13.2	15.6	18

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	2	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, cooked 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 garlic, cooked on this basis in the completed garlic 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

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:garlic-7875fde14d75:141c6f4a2378

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 garlic tAs reference · Garlic, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤6.6	6.6–9.55 (bounded)	9.55–15.5 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤6.7	6.6–10 (bounded)	10–18 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	27	50%
FDA Total Diet Study	6	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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

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:garlic-3ddc9098c33d:eee90c6224ad

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 garlic tAs reference · Garlic, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤100	≤100	≤100
Alternative weighting	≤100	≤100	≤100

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Kowalska 2021	2	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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

Kowalska 2021 is the only compatible sampling family for garlic, as sold on this basis in the completed garlic 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

Kowalska 2021

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:garlic-49f442f2937e:01e53f2792fe

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 garlic iAs reference · Garlic, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤10	≤20	8–20 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤10	≤20	8–20 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	6	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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 garlic, as sold on this basis in the completed garlic 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

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:garlic-378bf92e7142:8c47cbc52381

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 garlic DMA reference · Garlic, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤20	≤20	≤20
Alternative weighting	≤20	≤20	≤20

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	2	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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 garlic, as sold on this basis in the completed garlic 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

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:garlic-c19112d925b2:fdbe5c0dd6b3

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 garlic tHg reference · Garlic, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤1	≤1	≤4.5
Alternative weighting	≤1	≤1	≤2

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	17	50%
FDA Total Diet Study	6	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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

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:garlic-e480c4939819:69f60b956f93

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 garlic tHg reference · Garlic, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI garlic tHg reference · Garlic, as sold, dry weight. Garlic, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤5	≤5	≤5
Alternative weighting	≤5	≤5	≤5

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Kowalska 2021	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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

Kowalska 2021 is the only compatible sampling family for garlic, as sold on this basis in the completed garlic 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

Kowalska 2021

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:garlic-69a68bfaeb25:b406d5f04e5f

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 garlic Ni reference · Garlic, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	50	120	340
Alternative weighting	50	120	340

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	6	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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

FDA Total Diet Study is the only compatible sampling family for garlic, as sold on this basis in the completed garlic 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

FDA Total Diet Study

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:garlic-760a63f22f25:044dba84416d

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 garlic Ni reference · Garlic, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	1000	1000	1000
Alternative weighting	1000	1000	1000

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Sultana et al. 2021	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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

Sultana et al. 2021 is the only compatible sampling family for garlic, as sold on this basis in the completed garlic 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

Sultana et al. 2021

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:garlic-6b9af675e1fb:f374e6b5141f

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 garlic Cr reference · Garlic, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤50	170–195 (bounded)	340
Alternative weighting	≤50	170–195 (bounded)	340

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	1	50%
FDA Total Diet Study	6	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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

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:garlic-3e41f75a122c:214c808bac63

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 garlic Cr reference · Garlic, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	400	800	1350
Alternative weighting	400	800	1350

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Sultana et al. 2021	4	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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

Sultana et al. 2021 is the only compatible sampling family for garlic, as sold on this basis in the completed garlic 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

Sultana et al. 2021

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:garlic-6c872d559e90:8d87c844a975

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 garlic Sn reference · Garlic, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤10	≤10	≤100
Alternative weighting	≤10	≤10	≤100

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	3	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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 garlic, as sold on this basis in the completed garlic 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

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:garlic-3e0e764b10d1:3de1d8e1b960

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 garlic U reference · Garlic, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤1	≤1	≤1
Alternative weighting	≤1	≤1	≤1

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	6	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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

FDA Total Diet Study is the only compatible sampling family for garlic, as sold on this basis in the completed garlic 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

FDA Total Diet Study

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:garlic-cf6d6f0cfa26:58c0c6308f03

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 garlic Cu reference · Garlic, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	4650	4650	6450
Alternative weighting	4650	4650	6450

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Oladoye et al. 2016	1	50%
Sultana et al. 2021	4	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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:garlic-04cd4f0b893e:4873194231dd

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 garlic Fe reference · Garlic, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	44300	51000	57700
Alternative weighting	44300	51000	57700

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Oladoye et al. 2016	1	50%
Sultana et al. 2021	4	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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:garlic-000ff83dad0c:36ef81b098c6

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 garlic Mn reference · Garlic, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	7200	10200	17300
Alternative weighting	7200	10200	17300

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Sultana et al. 2021	4	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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

Sultana et al. 2021 is the only compatible sampling family for garlic, as sold on this basis in the completed garlic 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

Sultana et al. 2021

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:garlic-458686691605:f7ae123e9c0e

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 garlic Zn reference · Garlic, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	12000	20200	25700
Alternative weighting	12000	20200	25700

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Sultana et al. 2021	4	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for garlic, 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

Sultana et al. 2021 is the only compatible sampling family for garlic, as sold on this basis in the completed garlic 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

Sultana et al. 2021

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:garlic-dfa4dff75e01:b716b0afb2d6

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.

How metals reach garlic

No study in the library compared garlic from contaminated and ordinary settings, so the routes by which metals reach it are not measured here.

Which forms and regions measured lower

The HMI reference for lead in garlic, as sold pools 77 subgroup units from 4 sampling families, with a median of below 4 µg/kg and a middle half spanning below 4 (lower quartile) and 2,170 µg/kg (upper quartile).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Angelon-Gaetz KA, Klaus C, Chaudhry EA, Bean DK · 2018Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly ReportRead source →}^{8Spungen JH, et al. · 2024Infants’ and young children’s dietary exposures to lead and cadmium: FDA total diet study 2018-2020Food Additives & Contaminants: Part ARead source →} For lead in garlic, as sold, the reference median was between 19.3 and 27.5 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 15 to between 42.6 and 43.1 µg/kg across 8 units.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} For cadmium in garlic, as sold, the reference median was 300 µg/kg, with a middle half from 130 to 450 µg/kg across 9 units.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{9Peter Olusakin Oladoye, David Olaoluwa Jegede · 2016Evaluation of Effects of Heavy Metal Contents of Some Common Spices Available in Odo-Ori Market, Iwo, NigeriaJournal of Environmental Analytical ChemistryRead source →}^{10Sultana R, Chamon AS, Mondol MN · 2021Heavy metal concentration in commonly sold stem vegetables in Dhaka city market and probable health riskDhaka University Journal of Biological Sciences 2021, 30(2): 221-232Read source →}

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, garlic, as sold had the lowest lead subgroup median in WPRO (7.45 µg/kg) and the highest in EMRO (330 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 EURO (9 µg/kg) and the highest in EURO (80 µg/kg).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} For total arsenic, the lowest regional median was in WPRO (1.8 µg/kg) and the highest in WPRO (23.1 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 garlic ranged from 7.45 µg/kg (WPRO) to 77 µg/kg (SEARO); the lowest is the lowest observed in that study, not an established sourcing preference.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} In another study, chromium across 4 groups of garlic ranged from 300 µg/kg (Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 1) to 1,600 µg/kg (Kawran Bazar market, Dhaka, sampling phase 3); the lowest is the lowest observed in that study, not an established sourcing preference.^{10Sultana R, Chamon AS, Mondol MN · 2021Heavy metal concentration in commonly sold stem vegetables in Dhaka city market and probable health riskDhaka University Journal of Biological Sciences 2021, 30(2): 221-232Read source →}

Processing, cooking and preparation

Processed or prepared forms were compared only with unprocessed garlic in the same study and group. Garlic, cooked (EURO) had cadmium lower at 18 µg/kg, against 80 µg/kg for the unprocessed form in the same group (garlic, as sold).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

Forms differ in water content, so a per-kilogram difference is not by itself a measured removal or gain of metal.

Mitigation for garlic

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

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 garlic for metals

Results depend on the method and its reporting limit. Reporting limits for lead ranged from 0.3 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 1,000 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 →} Reporting limits for cadmium ranged from 1 µg/kg (FDA Total Diet Study) to 400 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 →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →} Reporting limits for total arsenic ranged from 0.3 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 500 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 →}

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

Buying and verifying garlic

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

Exposure from garlic

No source in the library converted garlic 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 garlic was decided on its content: 23 occurrence extracted, 23 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.

Garlic FAQs

What heavy metals are found in garlic?

The library reports lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, dimethylarsinic acid, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V and As in garlic, most often lead, cadmium and total arsenic.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Angelon-Gaetz KA, Klaus C, Chaudhry EA, Bean DK · 2018Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly ReportRead source →}^{4Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →} WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in garlic, as sold from 1,092 results in 5 reporting regions, with subgroup medians from 7.45 to 330 µg/kg.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

Which regions report the lowest levels in garlic?

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, garlic, as sold had the lowest lead subgroup median in WPRO (7.45 µg/kg) and the highest in EMRO (330 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 EURO (9 µg/kg) and the highest in EURO (80 µg/kg).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

Does processing change heavy metals in garlic?

Only comparisons between forms in the same study are available, not before-and-after measurements of the same garlic.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} Garlic, cooked (EURO) had cadmium lower at 18 µg/kg, against 80 µg/kg for the unprocessed form in the same group (garlic, as sold).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

How much of the arsenic in garlic is inorganic?

Inorganic arsenic, the more toxic form, was measured in 7 results from 3 sources, far fewer than total arsenic.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{6Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, Font G, Yusà V · 2018Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670Read source →}^{11Centre for Food Safety FEHD HKSAR · 2012The First Hong Kong Total Diet Study: Inorganic ArsenicCentre for Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative RegionRead source →} Marín et al. 2018 reported inorganic arsenic at 3.1 µg/kg (mean) in garlic, as sold from Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-2011.^{6Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, Font G, Yusà V · 2018Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670Read 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.

GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsWorld Health Organization · GEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment Programme · 2026 · extranet.who.intDataset
FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsU.S. Food and Drug Administration · FDA Total Diet Study · 2022 · www.fda.govDataset
Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018Angelon-Gaetz KA, Klaus C, Chaudhry EA, and Bean DK · MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report · 2018 · doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6746a2Government
Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaBora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, et al. · Horticulturae · 2022 · doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8111034Peer-reviewed
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
Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, et al. · Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670 · 2018 · doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2018.05.005Peer-reviewed
Lead, Cadmium and Nickel Accumulation in Some Common Spices Grown in Industrial Areas of BangladeshNaser HM, Sultana S, Haque MM, Akhter S, and Begum RA · The Agriculturists 2014, 12(1): 122-130 · 2014 · doi.org/10.3329/agric.v12i1.19867Peer-reviewed
Infants’ and young children’s dietary exposures to lead and cadmium: FDA total diet study 2018-2020Spungen JH and et al. · Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A · 2024 · doi.org/10.1080/19440049.2024.2396910Peer-reviewed
Evaluation of Effects of Heavy Metal Contents of Some Common Spices Available in Odo-Ori Market, Iwo, NigeriaPeter Olusakin Oladoye and David Olaoluwa Jegede · Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry · 2016 · doi.org/10.4172/2380-2391.1000174Peer-reviewed
Heavy metal concentration in commonly sold stem vegetables in Dhaka city market and probable health riskSultana R, Chamon AS, and Mondol MN · Dhaka University Journal of Biological Sciences 2021, 30(2): 221-232 · 2021 · doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v30i2.54648Peer-reviewed
The First Hong Kong Total Diet Study: Inorganic ArsenicCentre for Food Safety FEHD HKSAR · Centre for Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region · 2012 · www.cfs.gov.hkGovernment

Sources

Browse Garlic 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 garlic record in the library: 23 occurrence sources, references by form and basis, same-study contrasts.

Referenced by

Vegetables

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Food and Drug Administration

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Food Additives

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Heavy metals in Garlic

Garlic overview

What counts as garlic

Heavy metal contamination profile of garlic

How metals reach garlic

Which forms and regions measured lower

Processing, cooking and preparation

Mitigation for garlic

Trade-offs and limits of controls

Testing garlic for metals

Buying and verifying garlic

Exposure from garlic

Evidence review and remaining gaps

Garlic FAQs

References

Sources

Update history

Related ingredients

Referenced by

Graph View