Heavy metals in Ice cream

Quick read

Ice cream in the HMI library has 146 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, Ba, Ga, Mo, Sr and Tl from 12 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 →}^{3Rantaša M, Majer D, Godec L, Kolšek G, Erjavec E, Finšgar M · 2026ICP-MS-based determination of heavy metals and associated health risks in vegetables, ice creams, and wines in SloveniaInternational Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 2026, 106(5), 1095-1114Read source →}^{4Al Othman ZA · 2010Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily IntakeMolecules 2010, 15, 7482-7497Read source →}^{5Baxter M, Brereton N · 2015Total Diet Study of metals and other elements in foodFood and Environment Research Agency report for the UK Food Standards Agency, Fera report 15/06, project FS102081Read source →}^{6Centre 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 →}

Metals measured:
Lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury and nickel and others, in 146 results from 12 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 →}^{3Rantaša M, Majer D, Godec L, Kolšek G, Erjavec E, Finšgar M · 2026ICP-MS-based determination of heavy metals and associated health risks in vegetables, ice creams, and wines in SloveniaInternational Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 2026, 106(5), 1095-1114Read source →}^{4Al Othman ZA · 2010Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily IntakeMolecules 2010, 15, 7482-7497Read source →}
Main drivers:
Form, basis and where the ice cream 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 →}^{3Rantaša M, Majer D, Godec L, Kolšek G, Erjavec E, Finšgar M · 2026ICP-MS-based determination of heavy metals and associated health risks in vegetables, ice creams, and wines in SloveniaInternational Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 2026, 106(5), 1095-1114Read source →}^{4Al Othman ZA · 2010Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily IntakeMolecules 2010, 15, 7482-7497Read 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 →}^{3Rantaša M, Majer D, Godec L, Kolšek G, Erjavec E, Finšgar M · 2026ICP-MS-based determination of heavy metals and associated health risks in vegetables, ice creams, and wines in SloveniaInternational Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 2026, 106(5), 1095-1114Read source →}^{4Al Othman ZA · 2010Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily IntakeMolecules 2010, 15, 7482-7497Read source →}

Ice cream overview

Ice cream in the HMI library has 146 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, Ba, Ga, Mo, Sr and Tl from 12 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 →}^{3Rantaša M, Majer D, Godec L, Kolšek G, Erjavec E, Finšgar M · 2026ICP-MS-based determination of heavy metals and associated health risks in vegetables, ice creams, and wines in SloveniaInternational Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 2026, 106(5), 1095-1114Read source →}^{4Al Othman ZA · 2010Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily IntakeMolecules 2010, 15, 7482-7497Read source →}^{5Baxter M, Brereton N · 2015Total Diet Study of metals and other elements in foodFood and Environment Research Agency report for the UK Food Standards Agency, Fera report 15/06, project FS102081Read source →}^{6Centre 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 →} WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in ice cream, as sold from 321 results in 3 reporting regions, with subgroup medians from 1.1 to 5.5 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, ice cream, as sold had a median lead result of 4.2 µg/kg across 27 composites from 2017–2020.^{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 with the basis not stated ranged from 4.9 µg/kg (Dabeka et al. 1995) to 5.3 µg/kg (Dabeka et al. 1995).^{7Dabeka RW, McKenzie AD · 1995Survey of Lead, Cadmium, Fluoride, Nickel, and Cobalt in Food Composites and Estimation of Dietary Intakes of These Elements by Canadians in 1986-1988Journal of AOAC InternationalRead source →} For cadmium, 2 studies with the basis not stated reported means and medians from 0.31 µg/kg (Dabeka et al. 1995) to 3 µg/kg (Centre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013).^{6Centre 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 →}^{7Dabeka RW, McKenzie AD · 1995Survey of Lead, Cadmium, Fluoride, Nickel, and Cobalt in Food Composites and Estimation of Dietary Intakes of These Elements by Canadians in 1986-1988Journal of AOAC InternationalRead source →}

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

What counts as ice cream

This page covers ice cream, as sold (146 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 →}^{3Rantaša M, Majer D, Godec L, Kolšek G, Erjavec E, Finšgar M · 2026ICP-MS-based determination of heavy metals and associated health risks in vegetables, ice creams, and wines in SloveniaInternational Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 2026, 106(5), 1095-1114Read source →}^{4Al Othman ZA · 2010Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily IntakeMolecules 2010, 15, 7482-7497Read source →}^{5Baxter M, Brereton N · 2015Total Diet Study of metals and other elements in foodFood and Environment Research Agency report for the UK Food Standards Agency, Fera report 15/06, project FS102081Read source →}^{6Centre 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 →}

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 ice cream

The table holds every extracted ice cream result: one row for each statistic a source reports for a form, group and metal, 146 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 →}^{3Rantaša M, Majer D, Godec L, Kolšek G, Erjavec E, Finšgar M · 2026ICP-MS-based determination of heavy metals and associated health risks in vegetables, ice creams, and wines in SloveniaInternational Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 2026, 106(5), 1095-1114Read source →}^{4Al Othman ZA · 2010Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily IntakeMolecules 2010, 15, 7482-7497Read source →}^{5Baxter M, Brereton N · 2015Total Diet Study of metals and other elements in foodFood and Environment Research Agency report for the UK Food Standards Agency, Fera report 15/06, project FS102081Read source →}^{6Centre 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 →} 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 →}

32 rows can be rated against an HMI reference for the same form and basis, 0 rows have a direct same-study comparison, and the rest stay unrated with the reason recorded.

Comparison methods and scope

Each row is one statistic a source reports for one form of ice cream, 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

AnalyteCollection regionCollection periodSourceCompare withComparable findings only

118 of 118 findings · 22 analytes

About this table

Food formCollection scopeFindingComparisonEvidence

Ice cream 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)

18 findings · 7 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2017	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2015	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2011–2012	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2000–2017	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2009–2014	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2008	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2013	median.
Ice cream, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Ice cream, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	local artisan ice cream, chocolate-flavoured (IC-31)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldAl 2010	Milk and Milk Product, Riyadh city markets, May 20092009Dry weight	mean.
Ice cream, as soldAl 2010	Milk and Milk Product, Riyadh city markets, May 20092009Dry weight	mean.
Ice cream, as soldAl 2010	Milk and Milk Product, Riyadh city markets, May 20092009Dry weight	mean.
Ice cream, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 19_1212014–2015Basis not stated	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
Ice cream, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	median.
Ice cream, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	mean.Same samples: 3.5 µg/kg (minimum); 7.9 µg/kg (maximum)
Ice cream, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	min.
Ice cream, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	max.

14 findings · 6 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2017	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2015	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO1999–2018	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2003–2017	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2014	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2008	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010	median.
Ice cream, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Ice cream, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	all 36 ice creamsCollection date unreported	not detected.
Ice cream, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 19_1212014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.
Ice cream, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
Ice cream, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	median.
Ice cream, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	mean.Same samples: 0.08 µg/kg (minimum); 3.41 µg/kg (maximum)
Ice cream, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	min.
Ice cream, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	max.

9 findings · 4 studies
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2017	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2009–2021	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2009–2014	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2008	median.
Ice cream, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Ice cream, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	industrial ice cream, strawberry-flavoured (IC-12)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	industrial ice cream, vanilla-flavoured (IC-10)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 19_1212014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.

5 findings · 4 studies
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010	median.
Ice cream, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 19_1212014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.
Ice cream, as soldCentre for Food Safety FEHD HKSAR 2012	all samples (4 sampling occasions, composites)2010–2011Basis not stated	not detected.
Ice cream, as soldEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 2014	European dietary-survey occurrence data2003–2013Basis not stated	mean.
Ice cream, as soldEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 2014	European dietary-survey occurrence data2003–2013Basis not stated	mean.

9 findings · 4 studies
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2004–2015	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2015	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2014	median.
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2008	median.
Ice cream, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Ice cream, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Ice cream, as soldDabeka et al. 2003	Ottawa composite (retail Oct-Nov 2000)1998–2000	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldDabeka et al. 2003	Whitehorse composite (retail Jan-Feb 1998)1998–2000	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 19_1212014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.

10 findings · 6 studies · 4 spread figures folded in
Ice cream, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Ice cream, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	median.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	mean.Same samples: 840 µg/kg (minimum); 4,840 µg/kg (maximum); 1,270 µg/kg (percentile); 2,140 µg/kg (percentile)
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	min.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	max.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	percentile.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	percentile.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	industrial ice cream, strawberry-flavoured (IC-17)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	industrial ice cream, vanilla-flavoured (IC-10)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	local artisan ice cream, chocolate-flavoured (IC-31)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 19_1212014–2015Basis not stated	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
Ice cream, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	Montreal composite1986–1988Basis not stated	sample value.

8 findings · 4 studies
Ice cream, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Ice cream, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Ice cream, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, LB2000–2013	mean.
Ice cream, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, LB2000–2013	mean.
Ice cream, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, UB2000–2013	mean.
Ice cream, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, UB2000–2013	mean.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	local artisan ice cream, chocolate-flavoured (IC-2)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 19_1212014–2015Basis not stated	sample value.

6 findings · 4 studies · 4 spread figures folded in
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	median.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	mean.Same samples: 3,210 µg/kg (minimum); 16,600 µg/kg (maximum); 4,810 µg/kg (percentile); 8,190 µg/kg (percentile)
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	min.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	max.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	percentile.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	percentile.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	local artisan ice cream, chocolate-flavoured (IC-31)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	local artisan ice creamCollection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 19_1212014–2015Basis not stated	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.

3 findings · 3 studies
Ice cream, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010	median.
Ice cream, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 19_1212014–2015Basis not stated	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.

2 findings · 2 studies
Ice cream, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 19_1212014–2015Basis not stated	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.

2 findings · 1 study
Ice cream, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Ice cream, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.

2 findings · 2 studies
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	local artisan ice cream, chocolate-flavoured (IC-31)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	Montreal composite1986–1988Basis not stated	sample value.

3 findings · 2 studies · 4 spread figures folded in
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	median.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	mean.Same samples: 1,150 µg/kg (minimum); 3,460 µg/kg (maximum); 2,030 µg/kg (percentile); 2,780 µg/kg (percentile)
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	min.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	max.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	percentile.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	percentile.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	local artisan ice cream, chocolate-flavoured (IC-31)Collection date unreported	sample value.

5 findings · 2 studies · 4 spread figures folded in
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	median.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	mean.Same samples: 2,030 µg/kg (minimum); 24,000 µg/kg (maximum); 5,670 µg/kg (percentile); 12,800 µg/kg (percentile)
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	min.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	max.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	percentile.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	percentile.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	ice cream, type not stated (IC-36)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	local artisan ice cream, chocolate-flavoured (IC-31)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	local artisan ice creamCollection date unreported	sample value.

3 findings · 2 studies · 4 spread figures folded in
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	median.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	mean.Same samples: 180 µg/kg (minimum); 1,560 µg/kg (maximum); 420 µg/kg (percentile); 930 µg/kg (percentile)
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	min.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	max.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	percentile.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	percentile.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	local artisan ice cream, chocolate-flavoured (IC-31)Collection date unreported	sample value.

6 findings · 2 studies · 4 spread figures folded in
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	median.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	mean.Same samples: 560 µg/kg (minimum); 3,000 µg/kg (maximum); 1,570 µg/kg (percentile); 2,430 µg/kg (percentile)
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	min.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	max.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	percentile.
Ice cream, as soldEr 2025	40 packaged ice creams, 10 brands, Kirsehir supermarkets2025	percentile.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	ice cream, type not stated (IC-16)Collection date unreported	not detected.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	industrial ice cream, chocolate-flavoured (IC-9)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	local artisan ice cream, chocolate-flavoured (IC-31)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	local artisan ice cream, chocolate-flavoured (IC-33)Collection date unreported	sample value.

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

4 findings · 2 studies
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	industrial ice cream, strawberry-flavoured (IC-12)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	industrial ice cream, strawberry-flavoured (IC-17)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	local artisan ice cream, chocolate-flavoured (IC-31)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 19_1212014–2015Basis not stated	sample value.

1 finding · 1 study
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	local artisan ice cream, chocolate-flavoured (IC-31)Collection date unreported	sample value.

1 finding · 1 study
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	industrial ice cream, strawberry-flavoured (IC-12)Collection date unreported	sample value.

2 findings · 1 study
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	ice cream, type not stated (IC-16)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	local artisan ice cream, chocolate-flavoured (IC-31)Collection date unreported	sample value.

4 findings · 2 studies
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	ice cream, type not stated (IC-19)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	local artisan ice cream, chocolate-flavoured (IC-31)Collection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	local artisan ice creamCollection date unreported	sample value.
Ice cream, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 19_1212014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.

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 ice cream Pb reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream Pb reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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	4–7 (bounded)	86
Alternative weighting	≤4	4–7 (bounded)	86

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	40	33%
FDA Total Diet Study	54	33%
Rantaša et al. 2026	1	33%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ice cream, 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–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:ice-cream-29ef6bc6e2ad:c1c0be3fecc2

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 ice cream Cd reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream Cd reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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	0.125–2 (bounded)	4.22–5.7 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤1	0.393–2 (bounded)	4.22–6.3 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	51	50%
FDA Total Diet Study	54	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ice cream, 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–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:ice-cream-95c36dcde745:7323128cf451

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 ice cream tAs reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream tAs reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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	≤3.07	206
Alternative weighting	≤3	≤3.07	206

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	9	33%
FDA Total Diet Study	54	33%
Rantaša et al. 2026	2	33%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ice cream, 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–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:ice-cream-844643bb0ff6:37b1af703e37

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 ice cream iAs reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream iAs reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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	≤3	≤3
Alternative weighting	≤3	≤3	≤3

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 ice cream, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for ice cream, as sold on this basis in the completed ice cream 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:ice-cream-73e0c113aea0:15704f390d66

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 ice cream tHg reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream tHg reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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	≤0.13	≤1	0.13–1 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤0.13	≤1	0.13–1 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	10	33%
FDA Total Diet Study	54	33%
Dabeka et al. 2003	2	33%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ice cream, 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–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:ice-cream-ad0ad5b3dc17:66f496f9dc78

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 ice cream Ni reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream Ni reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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	194	425	1620
Alternative weighting	194	430	1620

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	54	33%
Er 2025	1	33%
Rantaša et al. 2026	3	33%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ice cream, 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–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:ice-cream-1213742c29be:463c82d351ad

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 ice cream Cr reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream Cr reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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	50–75 (bounded)	614	828
Alternative weighting	50–75 (bounded)	614	828

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	54	50%
Rantaša et al. 2026	1	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ice cream, 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–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:ice-cream-a85536cd4e53:5b578cd320e3

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 ice cream Al reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream Al reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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	6590	9030	14900
Alternative weighting	6590	9030	14900

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Er 2025	1	50%
Rantaša et al. 2026	2	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ice cream, 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–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:ice-cream-a35b763a81a1:aefd8015ef7f

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 ice cream Sn reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream Sn reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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

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 ice cream, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for ice cream, as sold on this basis in the completed ice cream 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:ice-cream-397f2f163d46:466182a77f1c

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 ice cream U reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream U reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	54	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ice cream, 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–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 ice cream, as sold on this basis in the completed ice cream 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:ice-cream-08e82c3b661f:921ae46d9f70

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 ice cream Co reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream Co reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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	168	168	168
Alternative weighting	168	168	168

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Rantaša et al. 2026	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ice cream, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Rantaša et al. 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for ice cream, as sold on this basis in the completed ice cream 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

Rantaša et al. 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:ice-cream-4794f1572367:c2216132bff5

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 ice cream Cu reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream Cu reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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	2440	4430	6410
Alternative weighting	2440	4430	6410

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Er 2025	1	50%
Rantaša et al. 2026	1	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ice cream, 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–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:ice-cream-113e00f06c91:e63e7e265ce2

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 ice cream Fe reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream Fe reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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	7170	7170	33400
Alternative weighting	7170	7170	33400

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Er 2025	1	50%
Rantaša et al. 2026	3	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ice cream, 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–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:ice-cream-cdefde0dcf1d:6eafe28d89dd

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 ice cream Mn reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream Mn reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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	580	2640	4710
Alternative weighting	580	2640	4710

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Er 2025	1	50%
Rantaša et al. 2026	1	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ice cream, 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–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:ice-cream-7e8387b8c0cb:19044ab8f94a

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 ice cream Zn reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream Zn reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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	2210	3820	5430
Alternative weighting	2210	3820	5430

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Er 2025	1	50%
Rantaša et al. 2026	3	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ice cream, 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–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:ice-cream-ae8646a6d925:bb9b82a56acf

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 ice cream Ba reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream Ba reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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	36	1660	1660
Alternative weighting	36	1660	1660

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Rantaša et al. 2026	3	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ice cream, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Rantaša et al. 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for ice cream, as sold on this basis in the completed ice cream 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

Rantaša et al. 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:ice-cream-c007b58208c3:f5a6333367d3

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 ice cream Ga reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream Ga reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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	820	820	820
Alternative weighting	820	820	820

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Rantaša et al. 2026	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ice cream, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Rantaša et al. 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for ice cream, as sold on this basis in the completed ice cream 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

Rantaša et al. 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:ice-cream-e4e5d7fc64ce:8e76b0f596c1

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 ice cream Mo reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream Mo reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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	265	265	265
Alternative weighting	265	265	265

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Rantaša et al. 2026	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ice cream, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Rantaša et al. 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for ice cream, as sold on this basis in the completed ice cream 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

Rantaša et al. 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:ice-cream-f6a6405b4c08:12e887601341

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 ice cream Sr reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream Sr reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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	124	1070	2020
Alternative weighting	124	1070	2020

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Rantaša et al. 2026	2	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ice cream, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Rantaša et al. 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for ice cream, as sold on this basis in the completed ice cream 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

Rantaša et al. 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:ice-cream-1873f85400cc:4d58913d935a

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 ice cream Tl reference · Ice cream, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ice cream Tl reference · Ice cream, as sold. Ice cream, 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	14	14	14
Alternative weighting	14	14	14

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Rantaša et al. 2026	3	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ice cream, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Rantaša et al. 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for ice cream, as sold on this basis in the completed ice cream 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

Rantaša et al. 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:ice-cream-1823f274224e:c94a5a8bee8f

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 ice cream

No study in the library compared ice cream 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 ice cream, as sold pools 95 subgroup units from 3 sampling families, with a median of between 4 and 7 µg/kg and a middle half spanning below 4 (lower quartile) and 86 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 →}^{3Rantaša M, Majer D, Godec L, Kolšek G, Erjavec E, Finšgar M · 2026ICP-MS-based determination of heavy metals and associated health risks in vegetables, ice creams, and wines in SloveniaInternational Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 2026, 106(5), 1095-1114Read source →} For cadmium in ice cream, as sold, the reference median was between 0.125 and 2 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 1 to between 4.22 and 5.7 µg/kg across 105 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 →} For total arsenic in ice cream, as sold, the reference median was below 3.07 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 3 to 206 µg/kg across 65 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 →}^{3Rantaša M, Majer D, Godec L, Kolšek G, Erjavec E, Finšgar M · 2026ICP-MS-based determination of heavy metals and associated health risks in vegetables, ice creams, and wines in SloveniaInternational Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 2026, 106(5), 1095-1114Read source →}

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, ice cream, as sold had the lowest lead subgroup median in PAHO (1.65 µg/kg) and the highest in WPRO (5.5 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 →}

Processing, cooking and preparation

No study in the library measured the same ice cream before and after washing, peeling, drying or cooking for metals, so no processing effect can be stated. Heat does not destroy metals; cooking or drying changes a concentration by moving water or metal, not by removing the element.

Mitigation for ice cream

No control for metals in ice cream was measured in the library; lot testing against the applicable limit remains the verifiable step.

No study in this library has yet measured a way to lower heavy metals in ice cream; the results above show the levels measured, and lot testing against the applicable limit remains the verifiable check.

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 ice cream for metals

Results depend on the method and its reporting limit. Reporting limits for lead ranged from 0.4 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 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 1 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 total arsenic ranged from 3 µg/kg (FDA Total Diet Study) to 40 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 →}

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

Buying and verifying ice cream

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

Exposure from ice cream

No source in the library converted ice cream 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 ice cream was decided on its content: 12 occurrence extracted, 12 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.

Ice cream FAQs

What heavy metals are found in ice cream?

The library reports lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, Ba, Ga, Mo, Sr and Tl in ice cream, 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 →}^{3Rantaša M, Majer D, Godec L, Kolšek G, Erjavec E, Finšgar M · 2026ICP-MS-based determination of heavy metals and associated health risks in vegetables, ice creams, and wines in SloveniaInternational Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 2026, 106(5), 1095-1114Read source →}^{4Al Othman ZA · 2010Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily IntakeMolecules 2010, 15, 7482-7497Read source →} WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in ice cream, as sold from 321 results in 3 reporting regions, with subgroup medians from 1.1 to 5.5 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 ice cream?

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, ice cream, as sold had the lowest lead subgroup median in PAHO (1.65 µg/kg) and the highest in WPRO (5.5 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 →}

How much of the arsenic in ice cream is inorganic?

Inorganic arsenic, the more toxic form, was measured in 5 results from 4 sources, far fewer than total arsenic.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{5Baxter M, Brereton N · 2015Total Diet Study of metals and other elements in foodFood and Environment Research Agency report for the UK Food Standards Agency, Fera report 15/06, project FS102081Read source →}^{8Centre 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 →}^{9European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · 2014Dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic in the European populationEFSA Journal 2014;12(3):3597Read source →} European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 2014 reported inorganic arsenic at 4.2 µg/kg (mean) in ice cream, as sold from European dietary-survey occurrence data.^{9European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · 2014Dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic in the European populationEFSA Journal 2014;12(3):3597Read source →}

References

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

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
ICP-MS-based determination of heavy metals and associated health risks in vegetables, ice creams, and wines in SloveniaRantaša M, Majer D, Godec L, Kolšek G, Erjavec E, and Finšgar M · International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 2026, 106(5), 1095-1114 · 2026 · doi.org/10.1080/03067319.2025.2534031Peer-reviewed
Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily IntakeAl Othman ZA · Molecules 2010, 15, 7482-7497 · 2010 · doi.org/10.3390/molecules15107482Peer-reviewed
Total Diet Study of metals and other elements in foodBaxter M and Brereton N · Food and Environment Research Agency report for the UK Food Standards Agency, Fera report 15/06, project FS102081 · 2015 · www.food.gov.ukGovernment
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
Survey of Lead, Cadmium, Fluoride, Nickel, and Cobalt in Food Composites and Estimation of Dietary Intakes of These Elements by Canadians in 1986-1988Dabeka RW and McKenzie AD · Journal of AOAC International · 1995 · academic.oup.comPeer-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
Dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic in the European populationEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · EFSA Journal 2014;12(3):3597 · 2014 · doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3597Government

Sources

Browse Ice cream 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 ice cream record in the library: 12 occurrence sources, references by form and basis, same-study contrasts.

Graph View

1

GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exports

2

FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical Results

3

ICP-MS-based determination of heavy metals and associated health risks in vegetables, ice creams, and wines in Slovenia

4

Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily Intake

5

Total Diet Study of metals and other elements in food

6

The First Hong Kong Total Diet Study: Metallic Contaminants

Food and Drug Administration

7

Survey of Lead, Cadmium, Fluoride, Nickel, and Cobalt in Food Composites and Estimation of Dietary Intakes of These Elements by Canadians in 1986-1988

8

The First Hong Kong Total Diet Study: Inorganic Arsenic

9

European Food Safety Authority

Dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic in the European population