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Heavy Metal Index
Spinach, kale, collard greens, romaine and iceberg lettuce illustrating iceberg lettuce ingredient context.

Heavy metals in Iceberg lettuce

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

Quick read

Iceberg lettuce in the HMI library has 62 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, Se, Ag, Au, Ba, Be, Mo, Sr, Th and Tl from 7 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 →3Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →4Veronica Martin-Leon, Carmen Rubio, Angel Rodriguez-Hernandez, Manuel Zumbado, Andrea Acosta-Dacal, Luis Alberto Henriquez-Hernandez, Luis D. Boada, Maria del Mar Travieso-Aja, Octavio P. Luzardo · 2023Evaluation of essential, toxic and potentially toxic elements in leafy vegetables grown in the Canary IslandsToxicsRead source →5Leonidas Rempelos, Marcin Baranski, Enas Khalid Sufar, Jenny Gilroy, Peter Shotton, Halima Leifert, Dominika Srednicka-Tober, Gultekin Hasanaliyeva, Eduardo A. S. Rosa, Jana Hajslova, Vera Schulzova, Ismail Cakmak, Levent Ozturk, Kirsten Brandt, Chris Seal, Juan Wang, Christoph Schmidt, Carlo Leifert · 2023Effect of Climatic Conditions, and Agronomic Practices Used in Organic and Conventional Crop Production on Yield and Nutritional Composition Parameters in Potato, Cabbage, Lettuce and Onion; Results from the Long-Term NFSC-TrialsAgronomyRead source →6Spungen 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 →

Iceberg lettuce overview

Iceberg lettuce in the HMI library has 62 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, Se, Ag, Au, Ba, Be, Mo, Sr, Th and Tl from 7 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 →3Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →4Veronica Martin-Leon, Carmen Rubio, Angel Rodriguez-Hernandez, Manuel Zumbado, Andrea Acosta-Dacal, Luis Alberto Henriquez-Hernandez, Luis D. Boada, Maria del Mar Travieso-Aja, Octavio P. Luzardo · 2023Evaluation of essential, toxic and potentially toxic elements in leafy vegetables grown in the Canary IslandsToxicsRead source →5Leonidas Rempelos, Marcin Baranski, Enas Khalid Sufar, Jenny Gilroy, Peter Shotton, Halima Leifert, Dominika Srednicka-Tober, Gultekin Hasanaliyeva, Eduardo A. S. Rosa, Jana Hajslova, Vera Schulzova, Ismail Cakmak, Levent Ozturk, Kirsten Brandt, Chris Seal, Juan Wang, Christoph Schmidt, Carlo Leifert · 2023Effect of Climatic Conditions, and Agronomic Practices Used in Organic and Conventional Crop Production on Yield and Nutritional Composition Parameters in Potato, Cabbage, Lettuce and Onion; Results from the Long-Term NFSC-TrialsAgronomyRead source →6Spungen 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 → WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in iceberg lettuce, as sold from 88 results in 1 reporting region, with subgroup medians below 5 µg/kg, mostly non-detects.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source → In the US Total Diet Study, iceberg lettuce, as sold had a median lead result below 4 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 on an as-sold or fresh-weight basis ranged from 2 µg/kg (Martin-Leon et al. 2023) to 410 µg/kg (Guerra et al. 2012).3Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →4Veronica Martin-Leon, Carmen Rubio, Angel Rodriguez-Hernandez, Manuel Zumbado, Andrea Acosta-Dacal, Luis Alberto Henriquez-Hernandez, Luis D. Boada, Maria del Mar Travieso-Aja, Octavio P. Luzardo · 2023Evaluation of essential, toxic and potentially toxic elements in leafy vegetables grown in the Canary IslandsToxicsRead source → For cadmium, 3 studies on an as-sold or fresh-weight basis reported means and medians from 4 µg/kg (Martin-Leon et al. 2023) to 34 µg/kg (Spungen et al. 2024).4Veronica Martin-Leon, Carmen Rubio, Angel Rodriguez-Hernandez, Manuel Zumbado, Andrea Acosta-Dacal, Luis Alberto Henriquez-Hernandez, Luis D. Boada, Maria del Mar Travieso-Aja, Octavio P. Luzardo · 2023Evaluation of essential, toxic and potentially toxic elements in leafy vegetables grown in the Canary IslandsToxicsRead source →6Spungen 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 a buyer the practical points are the form bought, the basis a result is reported on, where the iceberg lettuce came from and the laboratory’s reporting limit. Testing finds contamination but does not remove it.

What counts as iceberg lettuce

This page covers iceberg lettuce, as sold (62 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 →3Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →4Veronica Martin-Leon, Carmen Rubio, Angel Rodriguez-Hernandez, Manuel Zumbado, Andrea Acosta-Dacal, Luis Alberto Henriquez-Hernandez, Luis D. Boada, Maria del Mar Travieso-Aja, Octavio P. Luzardo · 2023Evaluation of essential, toxic and potentially toxic elements in leafy vegetables grown in the Canary IslandsToxicsRead source →5Leonidas Rempelos, Marcin Baranski, Enas Khalid Sufar, Jenny Gilroy, Peter Shotton, Halima Leifert, Dominika Srednicka-Tober, Gultekin Hasanaliyeva, Eduardo A. S. Rosa, Jana Hajslova, Vera Schulzova, Ismail Cakmak, Levent Ozturk, Kirsten Brandt, Chris Seal, Juan Wang, Christoph Schmidt, Carlo Leifert · 2023Effect of Climatic Conditions, and Agronomic Practices Used in Organic and Conventional Crop Production on Yield and Nutritional Composition Parameters in Potato, Cabbage, Lettuce and Onion; Results from the Long-Term NFSC-TrialsAgronomyRead source →6Spungen 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 →

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 iceberg lettuce

The table holds every extracted iceberg lettuce result: one row for each statistic a source reports for a form, group and metal, 62 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 →3Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →4Veronica Martin-Leon, Carmen Rubio, Angel Rodriguez-Hernandez, Manuel Zumbado, Andrea Acosta-Dacal, Luis Alberto Henriquez-Hernandez, Luis D. Boada, Maria del Mar Travieso-Aja, Octavio P. Luzardo · 2023Evaluation of essential, toxic and potentially toxic elements in leafy vegetables grown in the Canary IslandsToxicsRead source →5Leonidas Rempelos, Marcin Baranski, Enas Khalid Sufar, Jenny Gilroy, Peter Shotton, Halima Leifert, Dominika Srednicka-Tober, Gultekin Hasanaliyeva, Eduardo A. S. Rosa, Jana Hajslova, Vera Schulzova, Ismail Cakmak, Levent Ozturk, Kirsten Brandt, Chris Seal, Juan Wang, Christoph Schmidt, Carlo Leifert · 2023Effect of Climatic Conditions, and Agronomic Practices Used in Organic and Conventional Crop Production on Yield and Nutritional Composition Parameters in Potato, Cabbage, Lettuce and Onion; Results from the Long-Term NFSC-TrialsAgronomyRead source →6Spungen 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 → 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 →

21 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 iceberg lettuce, 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
Iceberg lettuce findings from monitoring programmes, total diet studies and every extracted field, market and contaminated-site study, in µg/kg with each source’s form, basis, statistic and censoring retained.
Food formCollection scopeFinding (µg/kg)ComparisonEvidence
11 findings · 6 studies
Iceberg lettuce, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2000–2017median.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldFDA Total Diet Study6 collection regions2017–2020median.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldGuerra et al. 2012CEAGESP wholesale market2009mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldRempelos et al. 2023CON (conventional crop protection)2004–2012mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldRempelos et al. 2023FYM cattle manure fertilizer2004–2012mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldRempelos et al. 2023NPK mineral fertilizer2004–2012mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldRempelos et al. 2023ORG (organic crop protection)2004–2012mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldRempelos et al. 2023spring beans pre-crop2004–2012mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldRempelos et al. 2023winter barley pre-crop2004–2012mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldSpungen et al. 2024all samples2018–2020not detected.
14 findings · 7 studies
Iceberg lettuce, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodEURO2003–2006median.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodEURO2005median.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2003–2017median.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldFDA Total Diet Study6 collection regions2017–2020median.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldGuerra et al. 2012CEAGESP wholesale market2009mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldRempelos et al. 2023CON (conventional crop protection)2004–2012mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldRempelos et al. 2023FYM cattle manure fertilizer2004–2012mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldRempelos et al. 2023NPK mineral fertilizer2004–2012mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldRempelos et al. 2023ORG (organic crop protection)2004–2012mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldRempelos et al. 2023spring beans pre-crop2004–2012mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldRempelos et al. 2023winter barley pre-crop2004–2012mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldSpungen et al. 2024all samples2018–2020mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldSpungen 2019all samples, TDS market baskets 2014-20162014–2016Basis not statedmean.
2 findings · 2 studies
Iceberg lettuce, as soldFDA Total Diet Study6 collection regions2017–2020median.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
2 findings · 2 studies
Iceberg lettuce, as soldFDA Total Diet Study6 collection regions2017–2020median.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
9 findings · 4 studies
Iceberg lettuce, as soldFDA Total Diet Study6 collection regions2017–2020median.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldGuerra et al. 2012CEAGESP wholesale market2009mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldRempelos et al. 2023CON (conventional crop protection)2004–2012mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldRempelos et al. 2023FYM cattle manure fertilizer2004–2012mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldRempelos et al. 2023NPK mineral fertilizer2004–2012mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldRempelos et al. 2023ORG (organic crop protection)2004–2012mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldRempelos et al. 2023spring beans pre-crop2004–2012mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldRempelos et al. 2023winter barley pre-crop2004–2012mean.
3 findings · 3 studies
Iceberg lettuce, as soldFDA Total Diet Study6 collection regions2017–2020median.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldGuerra et al. 2012CEAGESP wholesale market2009mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
1 finding · 1 study
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
1 finding · 1 study
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
1 finding · 1 study
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
2 findings · 2 studies
Iceberg lettuce, as soldFDA Total Diet Study6 collection regions2017–2020median.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
2 findings · 2 studies
Iceberg lettuce, as soldGuerra et al. 2012CEAGESP wholesale market2009mean.
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
1 finding · 1 study
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
1 finding · 1 study
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
1 finding · 1 study
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
1 finding · 1 study
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
1 finding · 1 study
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
1 finding · 1 study
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
1 finding · 1 study
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
1 finding · 1 study
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
1 finding · 1 study
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
1 finding · 1 study
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
1 finding · 1 study
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
1 finding · 1 study
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
1 finding · 1 study
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
1 finding · 1 study
Iceberg lettuce, as soldMartin-Leon et al. 2023all samples (Gran Canaria supermarkets)2016–2017median.
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 iceberg lettuce Pb reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤2.5≤42–4 (bounded)
Alternative weighting≤2.5≤42–4 (bounded)

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
WHO GEMS/Food1725%
FDA Total Diet Study2725%
Martin-Leon et al. 2023125%
Spungen et al. 2024125%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

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

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:iceberg-lettuce-a7e55691a4da:59b20acd5784

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 iceberg lettuce Cd reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference422.541
Alternative weighting42341

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
WHO GEMS/Food1833%
FDA Total Diet Study2733%
Martin-Leon et al. 2023133%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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

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:iceberg-lettuce-76f4d6f0f9db:4d4439516ee5

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 iceberg lettuce tAs reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤0.50.25–1.75 (bounded)0.5–3 (bounded)
Alternative weighting≤0.50.25–1.75 (bounded)0.5–3 (bounded)

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
FDA Total Diet Study2750%
Martin-Leon et al. 2023150%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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:iceberg-lettuce-cf4d5c45cb3d:97e65c8b9a13

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 iceberg lettuce tHg reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤11.15–1.65 (bounded)2.3
Alternative weighting≤11.15–1.65 (bounded)2.3

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
FDA Total Diet Study2750%
Martin-Leon et al. 2023150%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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:iceberg-lettuce-cfdb9a36ec70:059e54b99bf2

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 iceberg lettuce Ni reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference60.460.490
Alternative weighting60.460.491.5

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
FDA Total Diet Study2750%
Martin-Leon et al. 2023150%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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:iceberg-lettuce-a98b61b73494:38d29e26c120

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 iceberg lettuce Cr reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤8.98.9–29.4 (bounded)8.9–50 (bounded)
Alternative weighting≤8.98.9–29.4 (bounded)8.9–50 (bounded)

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
FDA Total Diet Study2750%
Martin-Leon et al. 2023150%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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:iceberg-lettuce-5014714a2f2b:222cfd6abb5c

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 iceberg lettuce Al reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI iceberg lettuce Al reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold. Iceberg lettuce, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference158015801580
Alternative weighting158015801580

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Martin-Leon et al. 20231100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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

Martin-Leon et al. 2023 is the only compatible sampling family for iceberg lettuce, as sold on this basis in the completed iceberg lettuce ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:iceberg-lettuce-d98b2d155009:b4d50da720a0

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 iceberg lettuce Sn reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference1.11.11.1
Alternative weighting1.11.11.1

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Martin-Leon et al. 20231100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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

Martin-Leon et al. 2023 is the only compatible sampling family for iceberg lettuce, as sold on this basis in the completed iceberg lettuce ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:iceberg-lettuce-0d8f82c7d7d4:1b1f867774e7

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 iceberg lettuce Sb reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI iceberg lettuce Sb reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold. Iceberg lettuce, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference0.680.680.68
Alternative weighting0.680.680.68

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Martin-Leon et al. 20231100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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

Martin-Leon et al. 2023 is the only compatible sampling family for iceberg lettuce, as sold on this basis in the completed iceberg lettuce ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:iceberg-lettuce-7deee353e529:4954512f5b0e

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 iceberg lettuce U reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤0.10.05–0.55 (bounded)0.1–1 (bounded)
Alternative weighting≤0.10.05–0.55 (bounded)0.1–1 (bounded)

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
FDA Total Diet Study2750%
Martin-Leon et al. 2023150%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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:iceberg-lettuce-f8a810726ece:29c410ccc9fd

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 iceberg lettuce Co reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI iceberg lettuce Co reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold. Iceberg lettuce, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference4.84.84.8
Alternative weighting4.84.84.8

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Martin-Leon et al. 20231100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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

Martin-Leon et al. 2023 is the only compatible sampling family for iceberg lettuce, as sold on this basis in the completed iceberg lettuce ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:iceberg-lettuce-1b4746a03820:d8ee89ad3294

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 iceberg lettuce Cu reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI iceberg lettuce Cu reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold. Iceberg lettuce, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference184184184
Alternative weighting184184184

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Martin-Leon et al. 20231100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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

Martin-Leon et al. 2023 is the only compatible sampling family for iceberg lettuce, as sold on this basis in the completed iceberg lettuce ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:iceberg-lettuce-748a55339825:fc8a517d8b4c

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 iceberg lettuce Fe reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI iceberg lettuce Fe reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold. Iceberg lettuce, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference283028302830
Alternative weighting283028302830

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Martin-Leon et al. 20231100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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

Martin-Leon et al. 2023 is the only compatible sampling family for iceberg lettuce, as sold on this basis in the completed iceberg lettuce ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:iceberg-lettuce-37014052ef30:2afae1da14b4

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 iceberg lettuce Mn reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI iceberg lettuce Mn reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold. Iceberg lettuce, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference135013501350
Alternative weighting135013501350

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Martin-Leon et al. 20231100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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

Martin-Leon et al. 2023 is the only compatible sampling family for iceberg lettuce, as sold on this basis in the completed iceberg lettuce ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:iceberg-lettuce-0b7f7b5e745c:aca8c798ca63

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 iceberg lettuce Zn reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI iceberg lettuce Zn reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold. Iceberg lettuce, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference173017301730
Alternative weighting173017301730

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Martin-Leon et al. 20231100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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

Martin-Leon et al. 2023 is the only compatible sampling family for iceberg lettuce, as sold on this basis in the completed iceberg lettuce ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:iceberg-lettuce-5273aa3e52b3:486d35c390a2

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 iceberg lettuce V reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI iceberg lettuce V reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold. Iceberg lettuce, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference2.22.22.2
Alternative weighting2.22.22.2

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Martin-Leon et al. 20231100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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

Martin-Leon et al. 2023 is the only compatible sampling family for iceberg lettuce, as sold on this basis in the completed iceberg lettuce ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:iceberg-lettuce-5e4c0ea28172:261356663280

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 iceberg lettuce Se reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI iceberg lettuce Se reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold. Iceberg lettuce, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference555
Alternative weighting555

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Martin-Leon et al. 20231100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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

Martin-Leon et al. 2023 is the only compatible sampling family for iceberg lettuce, as sold on this basis in the completed iceberg lettuce ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:iceberg-lettuce-aeb6c464bedc:206f22f8740c

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 iceberg lettuce Ag reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI iceberg lettuce Ag reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold. Iceberg lettuce, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference0.170.170.17
Alternative weighting0.170.170.17

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Martin-Leon et al. 20231100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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

Martin-Leon et al. 2023 is the only compatible sampling family for iceberg lettuce, as sold on this basis in the completed iceberg lettuce ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:iceberg-lettuce-47f98a7729b2:a907c411ed6b

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 iceberg lettuce Au reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI iceberg lettuce Au reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold. Iceberg lettuce, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference1.91.91.9
Alternative weighting1.91.91.9

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Martin-Leon et al. 20231100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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

Martin-Leon et al. 2023 is the only compatible sampling family for iceberg lettuce, as sold on this basis in the completed iceberg lettuce ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:iceberg-lettuce-e5ce3d2edb4a:34f734ea3284

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 iceberg lettuce Ba reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI iceberg lettuce Ba reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold. Iceberg lettuce, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference299299299
Alternative weighting299299299

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Martin-Leon et al. 20231100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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

Martin-Leon et al. 2023 is the only compatible sampling family for iceberg lettuce, as sold on this basis in the completed iceberg lettuce ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:iceberg-lettuce-a0eae147e7cc:f9951d9284e0

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 iceberg lettuce Mo reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI iceberg lettuce Mo reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold. Iceberg lettuce, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference9.89.89.8
Alternative weighting9.89.89.8

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Martin-Leon et al. 20231100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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

Martin-Leon et al. 2023 is the only compatible sampling family for iceberg lettuce, as sold on this basis in the completed iceberg lettuce ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:iceberg-lettuce-9223822bca6b:48dbce09f5bc

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 iceberg lettuce Sr reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI iceberg lettuce Sr reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold. Iceberg lettuce, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference192019201920
Alternative weighting192019201920

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Martin-Leon et al. 20231100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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

Martin-Leon et al. 2023 is the only compatible sampling family for iceberg lettuce, as sold on this basis in the completed iceberg lettuce ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:iceberg-lettuce-568383a85d83:5fabef87c2d8

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 iceberg lettuce Th reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI iceberg lettuce Th reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold. Iceberg lettuce, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference0.10.10.1
Alternative weighting0.10.10.1

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Martin-Leon et al. 20231100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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

Martin-Leon et al. 2023 is the only compatible sampling family for iceberg lettuce, as sold on this basis in the completed iceberg lettuce ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:iceberg-lettuce-9ea10bee0c4c:adaa5ff5b895

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 iceberg lettuce Tl reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI iceberg lettuce Tl reference · Iceberg lettuce, as sold. Iceberg lettuce, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference2.22.22.2
Alternative weighting2.22.22.2

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Martin-Leon et al. 20231100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for iceberg lettuce, 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

Martin-Leon et al. 2023 is the only compatible sampling family for iceberg lettuce, as sold on this basis in the completed iceberg lettuce ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:iceberg-lettuce-5abd589aa19b:8f705b702cdc

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

1 dataset

How metals reach iceberg lettuce

No study in the library compared iceberg lettuce 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 iceberg lettuce, as sold pools 46 subgroup units from 4 sampling families, with a median of below 4 µg/kg and a middle half spanning below 2.5 (lower quartile) and between 2 and 4 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 →4Veronica Martin-Leon, Carmen Rubio, Angel Rodriguez-Hernandez, Manuel Zumbado, Andrea Acosta-Dacal, Luis Alberto Henriquez-Hernandez, Luis D. Boada, Maria del Mar Travieso-Aja, Octavio P. Luzardo · 2023Evaluation of essential, toxic and potentially toxic elements in leafy vegetables grown in the Canary IslandsToxicsRead source →6Spungen 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 in iceberg lettuce, as sold, the reference median was 22.5 µg/kg, with a middle half from 4 to 41 µg/kg across 46 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 →4Veronica Martin-Leon, Carmen Rubio, Angel Rodriguez-Hernandez, Manuel Zumbado, Andrea Acosta-Dacal, Luis Alberto Henriquez-Hernandez, Luis D. Boada, Maria del Mar Travieso-Aja, Octavio P. Luzardo · 2023Evaluation of essential, toxic and potentially toxic elements in leafy vegetables grown in the Canary IslandsToxicsRead source → For total arsenic in iceberg lettuce, as sold, the reference median was between 0.25 and 1.75 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 0.5 to between 0.5 and 3 µg/kg across 28 units.2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →4Veronica Martin-Leon, Carmen Rubio, Angel Rodriguez-Hernandez, Manuel Zumbado, Andrea Acosta-Dacal, Luis Alberto Henriquez-Hernandez, Luis D. Boada, Maria del Mar Travieso-Aja, Octavio P. Luzardo · 2023Evaluation of essential, toxic and potentially toxic elements in leafy vegetables grown in the Canary IslandsToxicsRead source →

Processing, cooking and preparation

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

Mitigation for iceberg lettuce

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 iceberg lettuce for metals

Results depend on the method and its reporting limit. Reporting limits for lead ranged from 4 µg/kg (FDA Total Diet Study) 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 →2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source → Reporting limits for cadmium ranged from 1 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 6.3 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 iceberg lettuce

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

Exposure from iceberg lettuce

No source in the library converted iceberg lettuce 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 iceberg lettuce was decided on its content: 7 occurrence extracted, 7 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.

Iceberg lettuce FAQs

What heavy metals are found in iceberg lettuce?

The library reports lead, cadmium, total arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, Se, Ag, Au, Ba, Be, Mo, Sr, Th and Tl in iceberg lettuce, 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 →3Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →4Veronica Martin-Leon, Carmen Rubio, Angel Rodriguez-Hernandez, Manuel Zumbado, Andrea Acosta-Dacal, Luis Alberto Henriquez-Hernandez, Luis D. Boada, Maria del Mar Travieso-Aja, Octavio P. Luzardo · 2023Evaluation of essential, toxic and potentially toxic elements in leafy vegetables grown in the Canary IslandsToxicsRead source → WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in iceberg lettuce, as sold from 88 results in 1 reporting region, with subgroup medians below 5 µg/kg, mostly non-detects.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →

References

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

  1. GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsWorld Health Organization · GEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment Programme · 2026 · extranet.who.intDataset
  2. FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsU.S. Food and Drug Administration · FDA Total Diet Study · 2022 · www.fda.govDataset
  3. Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthGuerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, and Canniatti-Brazaca SG · Scientia Agricola 69(1):54-60 · 2012 · doi.org/10.1590/s0103-90162012000100008Peer-reviewed
  4. Evaluation of essential, toxic and potentially toxic elements in leafy vegetables grown in the Canary IslandsVeronica Martin-Leon, Carmen Rubio, Angel Rodriguez-Hernandez, Manuel Zumbado, Andrea Acosta-Dacal, Luis Alberto Henriquez-Hernandez, et al. · Toxics · 2023 · doi.org/10.3390/toxics11050442Peer-reviewed
  5. Effect of Climatic Conditions, and Agronomic Practices Used in Organic and Conventional Crop Production on Yield and Nutritional Composition Parameters in Potato, Cabbage, Lettuce and Onion; Results from the Long-Term NFSC-TrialsLeonidas Rempelos, Marcin Baranski, Enas Khalid Sufar, Jenny Gilroy, Peter Shotton, Halima Leifert, et al. · Agronomy · 2023 · doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13051225Peer-reviewed
  6. 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

Sources

Browse Iceberg lettuce 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 iceberg lettuce record in the library: 7 occurrence sources, references by form and basis, same-study contrasts.