Heavy metals in Ham

Quick read

Ham in the HMI library has 164 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, methylmercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V and CrIII from 11 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 →}^{3Barone G, Storelli A, Quaglia NC, Garofalo R, Meleleo D, Busco A, Storelli MM · 2021Trace Metals in Pork Meat Products Marketed in Italy: Occurrence and Health Risk CharacterizationBiological Trace Element Research (2021) 199: 2826-2836Read source →}^{4Marín 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 →}^{5Centre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) · 2013The First Hong Kong Total Diet Study: Metallic ContaminantsCentre for Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative RegionRead source →}^{6Chowdhury J, Chakraborty R, Biswas S, Sahoo S, Das SK · 2015Nutritional and Sensory Quality and Heavy Metal Contents of Commercial Pork Products in West BengalJournal of Meat Science 2015, 11(1): 39-42Read source →}

Metals measured:
Lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury and methylmercury and others, in 164 results from 11 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 →}^{3Barone G, Storelli A, Quaglia NC, Garofalo R, Meleleo D, Busco A, Storelli MM · 2021Trace Metals in Pork Meat Products Marketed in Italy: Occurrence and Health Risk CharacterizationBiological Trace Element Research (2021) 199: 2826-2836Read source →}^{4Marín 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 →}
Main drivers:
Form, basis and where the ham 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 →}^{3Barone G, Storelli A, Quaglia NC, Garofalo R, Meleleo D, Busco A, Storelli MM · 2021Trace Metals in Pork Meat Products Marketed in Italy: Occurrence and Health Risk CharacterizationBiological Trace Element Research (2021) 199: 2826-2836Read source →}^{4Marín 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 →}
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 →}^{3Barone G, Storelli A, Quaglia NC, Garofalo R, Meleleo D, Busco A, Storelli MM · 2021Trace Metals in Pork Meat Products Marketed in Italy: Occurrence and Health Risk CharacterizationBiological Trace Element Research (2021) 199: 2826-2836Read source →}^{4Marín 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 →}

Ham overview

Ham in the HMI library has 164 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, methylmercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V and CrIII from 11 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 →}^{3Barone G, Storelli A, Quaglia NC, Garofalo R, Meleleo D, Busco A, Storelli MM · 2021Trace Metals in Pork Meat Products Marketed in Italy: Occurrence and Health Risk CharacterizationBiological Trace Element Research (2021) 199: 2826-2836Read source →}^{4Marín 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 →}^{5Centre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) · 2013The First Hong Kong Total Diet Study: Metallic ContaminantsCentre for Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative RegionRead source →}^{6Chowdhury J, Chakraborty R, Biswas S, Sahoo S, Das SK · 2015Nutritional and Sensory Quality and Heavy Metal Contents of Commercial Pork Products in West BengalJournal of Meat Science 2015, 11(1): 39-42Read source →} WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in ham, as sold from 164 results in 2 reporting regions, with subgroup medians from 3.65 to 15 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, ham, as sold had a median lead result below 4 µg/kg across 3 composites from 2018–2020.^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}

Across 4 other studies of ordinary farms and markets, reported lead means and medians on an as-sold or fresh-weight basis ranged from 3.5 µg/kg (Spungen et al. 2024) to 300 µg/kg (Barone et al. 2021).^{3Barone G, Storelli A, Quaglia NC, Garofalo R, Meleleo D, Busco A, Storelli MM · 2021Trace Metals in Pork Meat Products Marketed in Italy: Occurrence and Health Risk CharacterizationBiological Trace Element Research (2021) 199: 2826-2836Read source →}^{7Spungen 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 cadmium, 3 studies on an as-sold or fresh-weight basis reported means and medians from 1.3 µg/kg (Spungen et al. 2024) to 40 µg/kg (Litrenta et al. 2025).^{7Spungen 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 →}^{8Litrenta F, Nava V, Potortì AG, Lo Turco V, Sgrò B, Di Bella G · 2025Bisphenols, Toxic Elements, and Potentially Toxic Elements in Ready-to-Eat Fish and Meat Foods and Their Associated Risks for Human HealthToxics 2025, 13, 433Read source →}

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

What counts as ham

This page covers ham in 3 forms kept separate in every comparison: ham, as sold (107 results), ham, cooked (37 results) and ham, canned (20 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 →}^{3Barone G, Storelli A, Quaglia NC, Garofalo R, Meleleo D, Busco A, Storelli MM · 2021Trace Metals in Pork Meat Products Marketed in Italy: Occurrence and Health Risk CharacterizationBiological Trace Element Research (2021) 199: 2826-2836Read source →}^{4Marín 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 →}^{5Centre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) · 2013The First Hong Kong Total Diet Study: Metallic ContaminantsCentre for Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative RegionRead source →}^{6Chowdhury J, Chakraborty R, Biswas S, Sahoo S, Das SK · 2015Nutritional and Sensory Quality and Heavy Metal Contents of Commercial Pork Products in West BengalJournal of Meat Science 2015, 11(1): 39-42Read 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 ham

The table holds every extracted ham result: one row for each statistic a source reports for a form, group and metal, 164 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 →}^{3Barone G, Storelli A, Quaglia NC, Garofalo R, Meleleo D, Busco A, Storelli MM · 2021Trace Metals in Pork Meat Products Marketed in Italy: Occurrence and Health Risk CharacterizationBiological Trace Element Research (2021) 199: 2826-2836Read source →}^{4Marín 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 →}^{5Centre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) · 2013The First Hong Kong Total Diet Study: Metallic ContaminantsCentre for Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative RegionRead source →}^{6Chowdhury J, Chakraborty R, Biswas S, Sahoo S, Das SK · 2015Nutritional and Sensory Quality and Heavy Metal Contents of Commercial Pork Products in West BengalJournal of Meat Science 2015, 11(1): 39-42Read 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 →}

14 rows can be rated against an HMI reference for the same form and basis, 15 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.^{4Marín 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 →}

Comparison methods and scope

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

About this table

Food formCollection scopeFindingComparisonEvidence

Ham 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)

15 findings · 6 studies · 4 spread figures folded in
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2014–2016	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2000–2017	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2014–2016	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2016	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO1998	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010–2011	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2009	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2014	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2000–2008	median.
Ham, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
Ham, as soldBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	mean.Same samples: 160 µg/kg (minimum); 550 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, as soldBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	min.
Ham, as soldBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	max.
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.Same samples: 6.9 µg/kg (minimum); 25.3 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.
Ham, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
Ham, as soldChowdhury et al. 2015	produced at the Haringhata Farm meat plantCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	not detected.
2 findings · 2 studies · 4 spread figures folded in
Ham, cookedBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	mean.Same samples: 180 µg/kg (minimum); 310 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, cookedBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	min.
Ham, cookedBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	max.
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.Same samples: 15.4 µg/kg (minimum); 24.6 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.
3 findings · 3 studies
Ham, cannedFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Ham, cannedLitrenta et al. 2025	retail ready-to-eat product, origin Italy, packaging can2024	mean.
Ham, cannedSpungen et al. 2024	all samples2018–2020	mean.

22 findings · 6 studies · 9 spread figures folded in
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2006	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2006	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2015	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2003–2017	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2015	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO1998	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010–2011	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2014	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2000–2008	median.
Ham, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
Ham, as soldBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	mean.Same samples: 40 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, as soldBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	min.
Ham, as soldBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	max.
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	not detected.
Ham, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
Ham, as soldLukáčová et al. 2015	domestic production, central Slovakia2013Basis not stated	median.
Ham, as soldLukáčová et al. 2015	domestic production, central Slovakia2013Basis not stated	median.
Ham, as soldLukáčová et al. 2015	domestic production, central Slovakia2013Basis not stated	mean.Same samples: 38.2 µg/kg (minimum); 42.2 µg/kg (minimum); 125 µg/kg (maximum); 95.2 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, as soldLukáčová et al. 2015	domestic production, central Slovakia2013Basis not stated	mean.
Ham, as soldLukáčová et al. 2015	domestic production, central Slovakia2013Basis not stated	min.
Ham, as soldLukáčová et al. 2015	domestic production, central Slovakia2013Basis not stated	min.
Ham, as soldLukáčová et al. 2015	domestic production, central Slovakia2013Basis not stated	max.
Ham, as soldLukáčová et al. 2015	domestic production, central Slovakia2013Basis not stated	max.
Ham, as soldLukáčová et al. 2015	foreign production, countries of West Europe2013Basis not stated	median.
Ham, as soldLukáčová et al. 2015	foreign production, countries of West Europe2013Basis not stated	median.
Ham, as soldLukáčová et al. 2015	foreign production, countries of West Europe2013Basis not stated	mean.Same samples: 65.4 µg/kg (minimum); 95.3 µg/kg (minimum); 199 µg/kg (maximum); 198 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, as soldLukáčová et al. 2015	foreign production, countries of West Europe2013Basis not stated	mean.
Ham, as soldLukáčová et al. 2015	foreign production, countries of West Europe2013Basis not stated	min.
Ham, as soldLukáčová et al. 2015	foreign production, countries of West Europe2013Basis not stated	min.
Ham, as soldLukáčová et al. 2015	foreign production, countries of West Europe2013Basis not stated	max.
Ham, as soldLukáčová et al. 2015	foreign production, countries of West Europe2013Basis not stated	max.
3 findings · 2 studies · 1 spread figure folded in
Ham, cookedBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	mean.Same samples: 30 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, cookedBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	min.
Ham, cookedBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	max.
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	not detected.
3 findings · 3 studies
Ham, cannedFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Ham, cannedLitrenta et al. 2025	retail ready-to-eat product, origin Italy, packaging can2024	mean.
Ham, cannedSpungen et al. 2024	all samples2018–2020	mean.

8 findings · 4 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2015–2021	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO1998	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2009	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2014	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2000–2008	median.
Ham, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.Same samples: 42.3 µg/kg (minimum); 58.2 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.
Ham, as soldChowdhury et al. 2015	produced at the Haringhata Farm meat plantCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	not detected.
1 finding · 1 study · 2 spread figures folded in
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.Same samples: 28.5 µg/kg (minimum); 38.6 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.
2 findings · 2 studies
Ham, cannedFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Ham, cannedLitrenta et al. 2025	retail ready-to-eat product, origin Italy, packaging can2024	mean.

5 findings · 3 studies
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010–2011	median.
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.
Ham, as soldCentre for Food Safety FEHD HKSAR 2012	all samples (4 sampling occasions, composites)2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
1 finding · 1 study · 2 spread figures folded in
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.Same samples: 1.6 µg/kg (minimum); 12.4 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.

6 findings · 3 studies · 1 spread figure folded in
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO1998	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2014	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2000–2008	median.
Ham, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
Ham, as soldBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	mean.Same samples: 50 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, as soldBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	min.
Ham, as soldBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	max.
2 findings · 1 study · 1 spread figure folded in
Ham, cookedBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	mean.Same samples: 30 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, cookedBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	min.
Ham, cookedBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	max.
1 finding · 1 study
Ham, cannedFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.

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

2 findings · 2 studies
Ham, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
Ham, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
2 findings · 2 studies
Ham, cannedFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Ham, cannedLitrenta et al. 2025	retail ready-to-eat product, origin Italy, packaging can2024	mean.

4 findings · 4 studies · 4 spread figures folded in
Ham, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
Ham, as soldBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	mean.Same samples: 130 µg/kg (minimum); 250 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, as soldBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	min.
Ham, as soldBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	max.
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.Same samples: 93.6 µg/kg (minimum); 118 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.
Ham, as soldSaraiva et al. 2021	all samplesCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	not detected.
2 findings · 2 studies · 4 spread figures folded in
Ham, cookedBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	mean.Same samples: 70 µg/kg (minimum); 220 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, cookedBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	min.
Ham, cookedBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	max.
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.Same samples: 79 µg/kg (minimum); 135 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.
2 findings · 2 studies
Ham, cannedFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Ham, cannedLitrenta et al. 2025	retail ready-to-eat product, origin Italy, packaging can2024	mean.

1 finding · 1 study
Ham, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
1 finding · 1 study
Ham, cannedLitrenta et al. 2025	retail ready-to-eat product, origin Italy, packaging can2024	mean.

6 findings · 4 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO1998	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010–2011	median.
Ham, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2000	median.
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.Same samples: 7.9 µg/kg (minimum); 334 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.
Ham, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	not detected.
Ham, as soldChowdhury et al. 2015	produced at the Haringhata Farm meat plantCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	not detected.
1 finding · 1 study · 2 spread figures folded in
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.Same samples: 3.2 µg/kg (minimum); 150 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.
1 finding · 1 study
Ham, cannedLitrenta et al. 2025	retail ready-to-eat product, origin Italy, packaging can2024	mean.

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

1 finding · 1 study
Ham, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
1 finding · 1 study
Ham, cannedFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.

3 findings · 3 studies · 4 spread figures folded in
Ham, as soldBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	mean.Same samples: 960 µg/kg (minimum); 1,330 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, as soldBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	min.
Ham, as soldBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	max.
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.Same samples: 787 µg/kg (minimum); 1,020 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Ham, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.
Ham, as soldChowdhury et al. 2015	produced at the Haringhata Farm meat plantCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	mean.
2 findings · 2 studies · 4 spread figures folded in
Ham, cookedBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	mean.Same samples: 850 µg/kg (minimum); 1,320 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, cookedBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	min.
Ham, cookedBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	max.
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.Same samples: 529 µg/kg (minimum); 755 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Ham, cookedMarín et al. 2018	Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.
1 finding · 1 study
Ham, cannedLitrenta et al. 2025	retail ready-to-eat product, origin Italy, packaging can2024	mean.

1 finding · 1 study
Ham, cannedLitrenta et al. 2025	retail ready-to-eat product, origin Italy, packaging can2024	mean.

1 finding · 1 study
Ham, cannedLitrenta et al. 2025	retail ready-to-eat product, origin Italy, packaging can2024	mean.

2 findings · 2 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Ham, as soldBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	mean.Same samples: 4,220 µg/kg (minimum); 7,360 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, as soldBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	min.
Ham, as soldBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	max.
Ham, as soldChowdhury et al. 2015	produced at the Haringhata Farm meat plantCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	mean.
1 finding · 1 study · 2 spread figures folded in
Ham, cookedBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	mean.Same samples: 5,750 µg/kg (minimum); 7,550 µg/kg (maximum)
Ham, cookedBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	min.
Ham, cookedBarone et al. 2021	retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy2018	max.
1 finding · 1 study
Ham, cannedLitrenta et al. 2025	retail ready-to-eat product, origin Italy, packaging can2024	mean.

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

1 finding · 1 study
Ham, as soldSaraiva et al. 2021	all samplesCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	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 ham Pb reference · Ham, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ham Pb reference · Ham, as sold. Ham, 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	≤18.6
Alternative weighting	≤4	≤4	≤20

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	26	50%
FDA Total Diet Study	3	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ham, 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:ham-faaf558945a4:5673114e9eaf

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 ham Pb reference · Ham, canned

Reference and scope

HMI ham Pb reference · Ham, canned. Ham, canned; 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	5.3
Alternative weighting	≤4	≤4	5

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	27	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ham, canned 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 ham, canned on this basis in the completed ham 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:ham-7e7b89f8e6d4:ba0131dc1d55

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 ham Cd reference · Ham, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ham Cd reference · Ham, as sold. Ham, 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	≤2.4	1.9–3 (bounded)	3–5 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤2.4	1.9–3 (bounded)	3–5 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	22	50%
FDA Total Diet Study	3	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ham, 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:ham-46565cb45b7c:2c5bf98db43c

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 ham Cd reference · Ham, canned

Reference and scope

HMI ham Cd reference · Ham, canned. Ham, canned; 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	2
Alternative weighting	≤1	≤1	2

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	27	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ham, canned 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 ham, canned on this basis in the completed ham 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:ham-f1f0478b2e08:ee496a5ef918

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 ham tAs reference · Ham, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ham tAs reference · Ham, as sold. Ham, 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	3.4	6.2	7.99
Alternative weighting	3.4	6.2	7.99

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	4	50%
FDA Total Diet Study	3	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ham, 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:ham-f7b2e274c0b7:7b28b4b9224c

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 ham tAs reference · Ham, canned

Reference and scope

HMI ham tAs reference · Ham, canned. Ham, canned; 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	≤3	≤3	3.1
Alternative weighting	≤3	≤3	3.1

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	27	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ham, canned 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 ham, canned on this basis in the completed ham 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:ham-b4118cb3354f:877be8e0ec6a

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 ham iAs reference · Ham, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ham iAs reference · Ham, as sold. Ham, 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	4.5	5
Alternative weighting	4	4.5	5

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 ham, 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 ham, as sold on this basis in the completed ham 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:ham-d10257ecd58d:71bc831c1c90

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 ham tHg reference · Ham, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ham tHg reference · Ham, as sold. Ham, 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	≤3	≤5
Alternative weighting	≤1	≤3	≤5

4 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	3	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ham, 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:ham-ea290f33e548:1aedafabb3fc

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 ham tHg reference · Ham, canned

Reference and scope

HMI ham tHg reference · Ham, canned. Ham, canned; 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

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	27	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ham, canned 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 ham, canned on this basis in the completed ham 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:ham-8861c0ae872a:79785854a73c

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 ham Ni reference · Ham, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ham Ni reference · Ham, as sold. Ham, 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	≤40	≤40	≤40
Alternative weighting	≤40	≤40	≤40

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	3	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ham, 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 ham, as sold on this basis in the completed ham 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:ham-f6125db62d4c:e97af49a8c5a

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 ham Ni reference · Ham, canned

Reference and scope

HMI ham Ni reference · Ham, canned. Ham, canned; 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	≤40	≤40	≤40
Alternative weighting	≤40	≤40	≤40

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	27	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ham, canned 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 ham, canned on this basis in the completed ham 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:ham-bb43fa6d0640:1129729ede34

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 ham Cr reference · Ham, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ham Cr reference · Ham, as sold. Ham, 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	≤50	≤50
Alternative weighting	≤50	≤50	≤50

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	3	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ham, 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 ham, as sold on this basis in the completed ham 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:ham-9281794881a2:ecfb1ff22f81

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 ham Cr reference · Ham, canned

Reference and scope

HMI ham Cr reference · Ham, canned. Ham, canned; 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	≤50	≤50
Alternative weighting	≤50	≤50	≤50

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	27	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ham, canned 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 ham, canned on this basis in the completed ham 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:ham-bbc8bfbe6067:20d3a6fe7bc6

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 ham Sn reference · Ham, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ham Sn reference · Ham, as sold. Ham, 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	≤10
Alternative weighting	≤10	≤10	≤10

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 ham, 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 ham, as sold on this basis in the completed ham 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:ham-b00078f649eb:ad40401688bc

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 ham U reference · Ham, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ham U reference · Ham, as sold. Ham, 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	1.1
Alternative weighting	≤1	≤1	1.1

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	3	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ham, 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 ham, as sold on this basis in the completed ham 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:ham-6e6af92260d6:e405f11bffeb

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 ham U reference · Ham, canned

Reference and scope

HMI ham U reference · Ham, canned. Ham, canned; 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	2.1
Alternative weighting	≤1	1.4	2.1

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	27	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ham, canned 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 ham, canned on this basis in the completed ham 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:ham-eaf43f9c0fa7:624d0aabea11

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 ham

No study in the library compared ham 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 ham, as sold pools 29 subgroup units from 2 sampling families, with a median of below 4 µg/kg and a middle half spanning below 4 (lower quartile) and below 18.6 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 →} For lead in ham, canned, the reference median was below 4 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 4 to 5.3 µg/kg across 27 units.^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →} For cadmium in ham, as sold, the reference median was between 1.9 and 3 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 2.4 to between 3 and 5 µg/kg across 25 units.^{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 →}

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, ham, as sold had the lowest lead subgroup median in WPRO (3.65 µg/kg) and the highest in PAHO (15 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 total arsenic, the lowest regional median was in EURO (7 µg/kg) and the highest in WPRO (8.5 µg/kg).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

Targeted ham, as sold samples in WPRO had total arsenic higher at 20 µg/kg, against 8.5 µg/kg for WPRO in the same study.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} In another study, targeted ham, as sold samples in WPRO had total arsenic higher at 37.8 µg/kg, against 8.5 µg/kg for WPRO in the same study.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

Processing, cooking and preparation

Processed or prepared forms were compared only with unprocessed ham in the same study and group. Ham, cooked (retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy) had lead lower at 220 µg/kg, against 300 µg/kg for the unprocessed form in the same group (ham, as sold).^{3Barone G, Storelli A, Quaglia NC, Garofalo R, Meleleo D, Busco A, Storelli MM · 2021Trace Metals in Pork Meat Products Marketed in Italy: Occurrence and Health Risk CharacterizationBiological Trace Element Research (2021) 199: 2826-2836Read source →} In another study, ham, cooked (Meat and meat products group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-2011) had lead higher at 20.2 µg/kg, against 11.9 µg/kg for the unprocessed form in the same group (ham, as sold).^{4Marín 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 →}

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

Mitigation for ham

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 ham for metals

Results depend on the method and its reporting limit. Reporting limits for lead ranged from 2 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 3,000 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 0.12 µg/kg (Barone et al. 2021) 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 →}^{3Barone G, Storelli A, Quaglia NC, Garofalo R, Meleleo D, Busco A, Storelli MM · 2021Trace Metals in Pork Meat Products Marketed in Italy: Occurrence and Health Risk CharacterizationBiological Trace Element Research (2021) 199: 2826-2836Read source →} Reporting limits for total arsenic ranged from 2 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 5 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food), so a non-detect from a less sensitive method says much less.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

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

Buying and verifying ham

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

Exposure from ham

No source in the library converted ham 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 ham was decided on its content: 11 occurrence extracted, 11 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.

Ham FAQs

What heavy metals are found in ham?

The library reports lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, methylmercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V and CrIII in ham, 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 →}^{3Barone G, Storelli A, Quaglia NC, Garofalo R, Meleleo D, Busco A, Storelli MM · 2021Trace Metals in Pork Meat Products Marketed in Italy: Occurrence and Health Risk CharacterizationBiological Trace Element Research (2021) 199: 2826-2836Read source →}^{4Marín 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 ham, as sold from 164 results in 2 reporting regions, with subgroup medians from 3.65 to 15 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 ham?

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, ham, as sold had the lowest lead subgroup median in WPRO (3.65 µg/kg) and the highest in PAHO (15 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 total arsenic, the lowest regional median was in EURO (7 µg/kg) and the highest in WPRO (8.5 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 ham?

Only comparisons between forms in the same study are available, not before-and-after measurements of the same ham.^{3Barone G, Storelli A, Quaglia NC, Garofalo R, Meleleo D, Busco A, Storelli MM · 2021Trace Metals in Pork Meat Products Marketed in Italy: Occurrence and Health Risk CharacterizationBiological Trace Element Research (2021) 199: 2826-2836Read source →} Ham, cooked (retail samples, commercial centers of Apulia, South Italy) had lead lower at 220 µg/kg, against 300 µg/kg for the unprocessed form in the same group (ham, as sold).^{3Barone G, Storelli A, Quaglia NC, Garofalo R, Meleleo D, Busco A, Storelli MM · 2021Trace Metals in Pork Meat Products Marketed in Italy: Occurrence and Health Risk CharacterizationBiological Trace Element Research (2021) 199: 2826-2836Read source →}

How much of the arsenic in ham is inorganic?

Inorganic arsenic, the more toxic form, was measured in 8 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 →}^{4Marín 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 →}^{9Centre 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 →} Centre for Food Safety FEHD HKSAR 2012 reported inorganic arsenic at 4 µg/kg (mean) in ham, as sold from all samples (4 sampling occasions, composites).^{9Centre 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 →}

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
Trace Metals in Pork Meat Products Marketed in Italy: Occurrence and Health Risk CharacterizationBarone G, Storelli A, Quaglia NC, Garofalo R, Meleleo D, Busco A, et al. · Biological Trace Element Research (2021) 199: 2826-2836 · 2021 · doi.org/10.1007/s12011-020-02417-zPeer-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
The First Hong Kong Total Diet Study: Metallic ContaminantsCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) · Centre for Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region · 2013 · www.cfs.gov.hkGovernment
Nutritional and Sensory Quality and Heavy Metal Contents of Commercial Pork Products in West BengalChowdhury J, Chakraborty R, Biswas S, Sahoo S, and Das SK · Journal of Meat Science 2015, 11(1): 39-42 · 2015 · www.acspublisher.comPeer-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
Bisphenols, Toxic Elements, and Potentially Toxic Elements in Ready-to-Eat Fish and Meat Foods and Their Associated Risks for Human HealthLitrenta F, Nava V, Potortì AG, Lo Turco V, Sgrò B, and Di Bella G · Toxics 2025, 13, 433 · 2025 · doi.org/10.3390/toxics13060433Peer-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 Ham 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 ham record in the library: 11 occurrence sources, references by form and basis, same-study contrasts.

Referenced by

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Food and Drug Administration

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Food Additives

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Heavy metals in Ham

Ham overview

What counts as ham

Heavy metal contamination profile of ham

How metals reach ham

Which forms and regions measured lower

Processing, cooking and preparation

Mitigation for ham

Trade-offs and limits of controls

Testing ham for metals

Buying and verifying ham

Exposure from ham

Evidence review and remaining gaps

Ham FAQs

References

Sources

Update history

Related ingredients

Referenced by

Graph View