Heavy metals in Ketchup

Quick read

Ketchup in the HMI library has 120 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and V from 8 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 →}^{3Oladapo FO, Awokoya JO, Egbedeyi TD · 2023COMPARATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT OF SOME TOXIC ELEMENTS’ CONTENTS IN DOMESTIC AND IMPORTED TOMATO PASTES AND KETCHUP IN NIGERIAN MARKETSJ. Chem. Soc. Nigeria, Vol. 48, No. 3, pp 530-543 [2023]Read source →}^{4Torkashvand J, Torkashvand S, Tamjidi F · 2026Effect of transitional nutrition in intake level of heavy metal from Iranian sauces consumption and its carcinogenic and health risksScientific Reports (Article in Press, accepted 29 September 2026)Read source →}^{5Vaishali, Negi S · 2020A Comparative Study on Presence of Heavy Metals Lead and Cadmium in Tomato Ketchups used by Street Vendors of Delhi NCRJournal of Advanced Research in Medical Science & TechnologyRead 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 120 results from 8 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 →}^{3Oladapo FO, Awokoya JO, Egbedeyi TD · 2023COMPARATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT OF SOME TOXIC ELEMENTS’ CONTENTS IN DOMESTIC AND IMPORTED TOMATO PASTES AND KETCHUP IN NIGERIAN MARKETSJ. Chem. Soc. Nigeria, Vol. 48, No. 3, pp 530-543 [2023]Read source →}^{4Torkashvand J, Torkashvand S, Tamjidi F · 2026Effect of transitional nutrition in intake level of heavy metal from Iranian sauces consumption and its carcinogenic and health risksScientific Reports (Article in Press, accepted 29 September 2026)Read source →}
Main drivers:
Ketchup, as sold from plastic-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian market had lead higher at 540 µg/kg, against 510 µg/kg for all packaging types, Iranian market in the same study.^{4Torkashvand J, Torkashvand S, Tamjidi F · 2026Effect of transitional nutrition in intake level of heavy metal from Iranian sauces consumption and its carcinogenic and health risksScientific Reports (Article in Press, accepted 29 September 2026)Read 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 →}^{3Oladapo FO, Awokoya JO, Egbedeyi TD · 2023COMPARATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT OF SOME TOXIC ELEMENTS’ CONTENTS IN DOMESTIC AND IMPORTED TOMATO PASTES AND KETCHUP IN NIGERIAN MARKETSJ. Chem. Soc. Nigeria, Vol. 48, No. 3, pp 530-543 [2023]Read source →}^{4Torkashvand J, Torkashvand S, Tamjidi F · 2026Effect of transitional nutrition in intake level of heavy metal from Iranian sauces consumption and its carcinogenic and health risksScientific Reports (Article in Press, accepted 29 September 2026)Read source →}

Ketchup overview

Ketchup in the HMI library has 120 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and V from 8 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 →}^{3Oladapo FO, Awokoya JO, Egbedeyi TD · 2023COMPARATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT OF SOME TOXIC ELEMENTS’ CONTENTS IN DOMESTIC AND IMPORTED TOMATO PASTES AND KETCHUP IN NIGERIAN MARKETSJ. Chem. Soc. Nigeria, Vol. 48, No. 3, pp 530-543 [2023]Read source →}^{4Torkashvand J, Torkashvand S, Tamjidi F · 2026Effect of transitional nutrition in intake level of heavy metal from Iranian sauces consumption and its carcinogenic and health risksScientific Reports (Article in Press, accepted 29 September 2026)Read source →}^{5Vaishali, Negi S · 2020A Comparative Study on Presence of Heavy Metals Lead and Cadmium in Tomato Ketchups used by Street Vendors of Delhi NCRJournal of Advanced Research in Medical Science & TechnologyRead 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 ketchup, as sold from 197 results in 5 reporting regions, with subgroup medians from 1.6 to 21.5 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, ketchup, as sold had a median lead result below 4 µg/kg across 3 composites from 2018–2020.^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}

Across 3 other studies of ordinary farms and markets, reported lead means and medians on an as-sold or fresh-weight basis ranged from 31 µg/kg (Vaishali et al. 2020) to 540 µg/kg (Torkashvand et al. 2026).^{4Torkashvand J, Torkashvand S, Tamjidi F · 2026Effect of transitional nutrition in intake level of heavy metal from Iranian sauces consumption and its carcinogenic and health risksScientific Reports (Article in Press, accepted 29 September 2026)Read source →}^{5Vaishali, Negi S · 2020A Comparative Study on Presence of Heavy Metals Lead and Cadmium in Tomato Ketchups used by Street Vendors of Delhi NCRJournal of Advanced Research in Medical Science & TechnologyRead source →} For cadmium, 2 studies with the basis not stated reported means and medians from 23 µg/kg (Centre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013) to 37.2 µg/kg (Dabeka et al. 1995).^{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 →} Higher results came from contaminated or exposed settings rather than ordinary supply. Ketchup, as sold from sachet-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian market had aluminium higher at 1,700 µg/kg, against 1,380 µg/kg for all packaging types, Iranian market in the same study.^{4Torkashvand J, Torkashvand S, Tamjidi F · 2026Effect of transitional nutrition in intake level of heavy metal from Iranian sauces consumption and its carcinogenic and health risksScientific Reports (Article in Press, accepted 29 September 2026)Read source →}

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

What counts as ketchup

This page covers ketchup in 2 forms kept separate in every comparison: ketchup, as sold (110 results) and ketchup, canned (10 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 →}^{3Oladapo FO, Awokoya JO, Egbedeyi TD · 2023COMPARATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT OF SOME TOXIC ELEMENTS’ CONTENTS IN DOMESTIC AND IMPORTED TOMATO PASTES AND KETCHUP IN NIGERIAN MARKETSJ. Chem. Soc. Nigeria, Vol. 48, No. 3, pp 530-543 [2023]Read source →}^{4Torkashvand J, Torkashvand S, Tamjidi F · 2026Effect of transitional nutrition in intake level of heavy metal from Iranian sauces consumption and its carcinogenic and health risksScientific Reports (Article in Press, accepted 29 September 2026)Read source →}^{5Vaishali, Negi S · 2020A Comparative Study on Presence of Heavy Metals Lead and Cadmium in Tomato Ketchups used by Street Vendors of Delhi NCRJournal of Advanced Research in Medical Science & TechnologyRead 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 ketchup

The table holds every extracted ketchup result: one row for each statistic a source reports for a form, group and metal, 120 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 →}^{3Oladapo FO, Awokoya JO, Egbedeyi TD · 2023COMPARATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT OF SOME TOXIC ELEMENTS’ CONTENTS IN DOMESTIC AND IMPORTED TOMATO PASTES AND KETCHUP IN NIGERIAN MARKETSJ. Chem. Soc. Nigeria, Vol. 48, No. 3, pp 530-543 [2023]Read source →}^{4Torkashvand J, Torkashvand S, Tamjidi F · 2026Effect of transitional nutrition in intake level of heavy metal from Iranian sauces consumption and its carcinogenic and health risksScientific Reports (Article in Press, accepted 29 September 2026)Read source →}^{5Vaishali, Negi S · 2020A Comparative Study on Presence of Heavy Metals Lead and Cadmium in Tomato Ketchups used by Street Vendors of Delhi NCRJournal of Advanced Research in Medical Science & TechnologyRead 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 →}

33 rows can be rated against an HMI reference for the same form and basis, 18 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 ketchup, 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

Ketchup 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)

34 findings · 7 studies · 6 spread figures folded in
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EMRO2016–2022	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2004–2019	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2008–2014	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013–2016	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2015	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	SEARO2015	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2013	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2012–2013	median.
Ketchup, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	all domestic (Nigerian-made) tomato ketchup samplesCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	all imported tomato ketchup samplesCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	retail product DTK1 (domestic (Nigerian-made), bottle)Collection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	retail product DTK2 (domestic (Nigerian-made), bottle)Collection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	retail product DTK3 (domestic (Nigerian-made), bottle)Collection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	retail product ITK1 (imported, bottle)Collection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	retail product ITK2 (imported, bottle)Collection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	retail product ITK3 (imported, bottle)Collection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	all packaging types, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	plastic-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	sachet-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldVaishali et al. 2020	ketchup samples 1-3, Delhi street vendorsCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 100 µg/kg (minimum); 311 µg/kg (maximum)
Ketchup, as soldVaishali et al. 2020	ketchup samples 1-3, Delhi street vendorsCollection date unreported	min.
Ketchup, as soldVaishali et al. 2020	ketchup samples 1-3, Delhi street vendorsCollection date unreported	max.
Ketchup, as soldVaishali et al. 2020	ketchup samples 1-3, Faridabad street vendorsCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 266 µg/kg (maximum)
Ketchup, as soldVaishali et al. 2020	ketchup samples 1-3, Faridabad street vendorsCollection date unreported	not detected.
Ketchup, as soldVaishali et al. 2020	ketchup samples 1-3, Faridabad street vendorsCollection date unreported	max.
Ketchup, as soldVaishali et al. 2020	ketchup samples 1-3, Gurugram street vendorsCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 93 µg/kg (maximum)
Ketchup, as soldVaishali et al. 2020	ketchup samples 1-3, Gurugram street vendorsCollection date unreported	not detected.
Ketchup, as soldVaishali et al. 2020	ketchup samples 1-3, Gurugram street vendorsCollection date unreported	max.
Ketchup, as soldVaishali et al. 2020	ketchup samples 1-3, Noida street vendorsCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 148 µg/kg (maximum)
Ketchup, as soldVaishali et al. 2020	ketchup samples 1-3, Noida street vendorsCollection date unreported	not detected.
Ketchup, as soldVaishali et al. 2020	ketchup samples 1-3, Noida street vendorsCollection date unreported	max.
Ketchup, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
Ketchup, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	median.
Ketchup, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	mean.Same samples: 9.6 µg/kg (maximum)
Ketchup, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	min.
Ketchup, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	max.
2 findings · 1 study · 2 spread figures folded in
Ketchup, cannedDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	median.
Ketchup, cannedDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	mean.Same samples: 32.9 µg/kg (minimum); 161 µg/kg (maximum)
Ketchup, cannedDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	min.
Ketchup, cannedDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	max.

23 findings · 6 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EMRO2016–2019	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2019	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2014	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2005	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2006	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010	median.
Ketchup, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	all domestic (Nigerian-made) tomato ketchup samplesCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	all imported tomato ketchup samplesCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	retail product DTK1 (domestic (Nigerian-made), bottle)Collection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	retail product DTK2 (domestic (Nigerian-made), bottle)Collection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	retail product DTK3 (domestic (Nigerian-made), bottle)Collection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	retail product ITK1 (imported, bottle)Collection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	retail product ITK2 (imported, bottle)Collection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	retail product ITK3 (imported, bottle)Collection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldVaishali et al. 2020	ketchup samples 1-3, Delhi street vendorsCollection date unreported	not detected.
Ketchup, as soldVaishali et al. 2020	ketchup samples 1-3, Faridabad street vendorsCollection date unreported	not detected.
Ketchup, as soldVaishali et al. 2020	ketchup samples 1-3, Gurugram street vendorsCollection date unreported	not detected.
Ketchup, as soldVaishali et al. 2020	ketchup samples 1-3, Noida street vendorsCollection date unreported	not detected.
Ketchup, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
Ketchup, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	median.
Ketchup, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	mean.Same samples: 28.6 µg/kg (minimum); 45.5 µg/kg (maximum)
Ketchup, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	min.
Ketchup, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	max.
2 findings · 1 study · 2 spread figures folded in
Ketchup, cannedDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	median.
Ketchup, cannedDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	mean.Same samples: 25.8 µg/kg (minimum); 42.2 µg/kg (maximum)
Ketchup, cannedDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	min.
Ketchup, cannedDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	max.

6 findings · 3 studies
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2012	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2014	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
Ketchup, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	all domestic (Nigerian-made) tomato ketchup samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	all imported tomato ketchup samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.

2 findings · 2 studies
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010	median.
Ketchup, as soldCentre for Food Safety FEHD HKSAR 2012	all samples (4 sampling occasions, composites)2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.

6 findings · 3 studies
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2004–2019	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2011–2014	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
Ketchup, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	all domestic (Nigerian-made) tomato ketchup samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.
Ketchup, as soldOladapo et al. 2023	all imported tomato ketchup samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.

3 findings · 3 studies
Ketchup, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
Ketchup, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
Ketchup, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	Montreal composite1986–1988Basis not stated	sample value.
1 finding · 1 study
Ketchup, cannedDabeka et al. 1995	Montreal composite1986–1988Basis not stated	sample value.

4 findings · 2 studies
Ketchup, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	all packaging types, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	plastic-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	sachet-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.

5 findings · 3 studies
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	all packaging types, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	plastic-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	sachet-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.

3 findings · 2 studies
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
Ketchup, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010	median.
Ketchup, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.

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

1 finding · 1 study
Ketchup, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.

1 finding · 1 study
Ketchup, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	Montreal composite1986–1988Basis not stated	sample value.
1 finding · 1 study
Ketchup, cannedDabeka et al. 1995	Montreal composite1986–1988Basis not stated	sample value.

3 findings · 1 study
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	all packaging types, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	plastic-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	sachet-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.

3 findings · 1 study
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	all packaging types, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	plastic-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	sachet-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.

3 findings · 1 study
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	all packaging types, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	plastic-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	sachet-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.

3 findings · 1 study
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	all packaging types, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	plastic-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Ketchup, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	sachet-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.

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

Shared dataset methods and interpretation

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

HMI ketchup Pb reference · Ketchup, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤4	≤4	5.9–13.7 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤4	≤4	6.24–18 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	34	50%
FDA Total Diet Study	3	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ketchup, 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:ketchup-e18b5ff3271a:873fcee1a47d

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 ketchup Cd reference · Ketchup, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ketchup Cd reference · Ketchup, as sold. Ketchup, 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	7.75–10 (bounded)	20	20.8
Alternative weighting	10	20	20

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	30	50%
FDA Total Diet Study	3	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ketchup, 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:ketchup-480fb750e0ae:d5f70187ef89

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 ketchup tAs reference · Ketchup, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ketchup tAs reference · Ketchup, as sold. Ketchup, 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	≤6.5	25–45.7 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤3	≤6.5	25–45.7 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	7	50%
FDA Total Diet Study	3	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ketchup, 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:ketchup-9852a8a2082d:192d9d79fd0a

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 ketchup iAs reference · Ketchup, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ketchup iAs reference · Ketchup, as sold. Ketchup, 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	5.5	5.5	5.5
Alternative weighting	5.5	5.5	5.5

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

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

Methods

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

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

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for ketchup, as sold on this basis in the completed ketchup 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:ketchup-f0b6e087d2a7:3b95e290913f

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 ketchup tHg reference · Ketchup, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ketchup tHg reference · Ketchup, as sold. Ketchup, 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	≤2.5
Alternative weighting	≤1	≤1	≤2.5

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	12	50%
FDA Total Diet Study	3	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for ketchup, 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:ketchup-fbb3ce7954c8:fa0c400c7fc0

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 ketchup Ni reference · Ketchup, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ketchup Ni reference · Ketchup, as sold. Ketchup, 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	98	110	130
Alternative weighting	98	110	130

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

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

Methods

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

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

Limitations

FDA Total Diet Study is the only compatible sampling family for ketchup, as sold on this basis in the completed ketchup 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:ketchup-99b52b3ed6f5:8cae1c3a0274

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 ketchup Cr reference · Ketchup, as sold

Reference and scope

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

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

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

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

Methods

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

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

Limitations

FDA Total Diet Study is the only compatible sampling family for ketchup, as sold on this basis in the completed ketchup 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:ketchup-f87fd113e019:08e92cc5b608

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 ketchup Al reference · Ketchup, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ketchup Al reference · Ketchup, as sold. Ketchup, 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	3050	5590	8120
Alternative weighting	3050	5590	8120

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

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

Methods

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

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

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for ketchup, as sold on this basis in the completed ketchup 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:ketchup-337855c90e01:c6ecc192d09c

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 ketchup Sn reference · Ketchup, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ketchup Sn reference · Ketchup, as sold. Ketchup, 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	≤1.5	15.2	295
Alternative weighting	≤1.5	15.2	295

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

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

Methods

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

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

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for ketchup, as sold on this basis in the completed ketchup 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:ketchup-5c44fdd0715a:853147fe5661

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 ketchup U reference · Ketchup, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI ketchup U reference · Ketchup, as sold. Ketchup, 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

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

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

Methods

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

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

Limitations

FDA Total Diet Study is the only compatible sampling family for ketchup, as sold on this basis in the completed ketchup 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:ketchup-6c1e7355fe31:0400b229eb64

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 ketchup

The evidence on how metals reach ketchup comes from studies that compared exposed and ordinary settings. Ketchup, as sold from sachet-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian market had aluminium higher at 1,700 µg/kg, against 1,380 µg/kg for all packaging types, Iranian market in the same study.^{4Torkashvand J, Torkashvand S, Tamjidi F · 2026Effect of transitional nutrition in intake level of heavy metal from Iranian sauces consumption and its carcinogenic and health risksScientific Reports (Article in Press, accepted 29 September 2026)Read source →}

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

Which forms and regions measured lower

The HMI reference for lead in ketchup, as sold pools 37 subgroup units from 2 sampling families, with a median of below 4 µg/kg and a middle half spanning below 4 (lower quartile) and between 5.9 and 13.7 µg/kg (upper quartile).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →} For cadmium in ketchup, as sold, the reference median was 20 µg/kg, with a middle half from between 7.75 and 10 to 20.8 µg/kg across 33 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 ketchup, as sold, the reference median was below 6.5 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 3 to between 25 and 45.7 µg/kg across 10 units.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, ketchup, as sold had the lowest lead subgroup median in PAHO (1.6 µg/kg) and the highest in EMRO (21.5 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 →} For cadmium, the lowest regional median was in EURO (7 µg/kg) and the highest in WPRO (21.5 µg/kg).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} For total arsenic, the lowest regional median was in EURO (10 µg/kg) and the highest in EURO (35.3 µg/kg).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

In one study, lead across 6 groups of ketchup ranged from 96.8 µg/kg (retail product DTK3 (domestic (Nigerian-made), bottle)) to 148 µg/kg (retail product ITK1 (imported, bottle)); the lowest is the lowest observed in that study, not an established sourcing preference.^{3Oladapo FO, Awokoya JO, Egbedeyi TD · 2023COMPARATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT OF SOME TOXIC ELEMENTS’ CONTENTS IN DOMESTIC AND IMPORTED TOMATO PASTES AND KETCHUP IN NIGERIAN MARKETSJ. Chem. Soc. Nigeria, Vol. 48, No. 3, pp 530-543 [2023]Read source →} In another study, lead across 4 groups of ketchup ranged from 31 µg/kg (ketchup samples 1-3, Gurugram street vendors) to 183 µg/kg (ketchup samples 1-3, Delhi street vendors); the lowest is the lowest observed in that study, not an established sourcing preference.^{5Vaishali, Negi S · 2020A Comparative Study on Presence of Heavy Metals Lead and Cadmium in Tomato Ketchups used by Street Vendors of Delhi NCRJournal of Advanced Research in Medical Science & TechnologyRead source →}

Processing, cooking and preparation

Processed or prepared forms were compared only with unprocessed ketchup in the same study and group. Ketchup, canned (5 city composites) had lead higher at 48.9 µg/kg, against 8.1 µg/kg for the unprocessed form in the same group (ketchup, as sold).^{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 →}

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

Mitigation for ketchup

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

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

Trade-offs and limits of controls

Avoiding exposed growing areas lowered the metal measured in the studies available, but no study measured the cost or supply effect of doing so.^{4Torkashvand J, Torkashvand S, Tamjidi F · 2026Effect of transitional nutrition in intake level of heavy metal from Iranian sauces consumption and its carcinogenic and health risksScientific Reports (Article in Press, accepted 29 September 2026)Read source →} Metals do not move together, so a lot that passes a lead limit says little about cadmium, arsenic or nickel unless those are tested as well.

Testing ketchup for metals

Results depend on the method and its reporting limit. Reporting limits for lead ranged from 1 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 130 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food), so a non-detect from a less sensitive method says much less.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} Reporting limits for cadmium ranged from 0.4 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 69.4 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 200 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 ketchup

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

Exposure from ketchup

No source in the library converted ketchup 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 ketchup was decided on its content: 8 occurrence extracted, 8 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.

Ketchup FAQs

What heavy metals are found in ketchup?

The library reports lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and V in ketchup, 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 →}^{3Oladapo FO, Awokoya JO, Egbedeyi TD · 2023COMPARATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT OF SOME TOXIC ELEMENTS’ CONTENTS IN DOMESTIC AND IMPORTED TOMATO PASTES AND KETCHUP IN NIGERIAN MARKETSJ. Chem. Soc. Nigeria, Vol. 48, No. 3, pp 530-543 [2023]Read source →}^{4Torkashvand J, Torkashvand S, Tamjidi F · 2026Effect of transitional nutrition in intake level of heavy metal from Iranian sauces consumption and its carcinogenic and health risksScientific Reports (Article in Press, accepted 29 September 2026)Read source →} WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in ketchup, as sold from 197 results in 5 reporting regions, with subgroup medians from 1.6 to 21.5 µg/kg.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

How do heavy metals get into ketchup?

In the studies available, ketchup from contaminated or exposed settings carried more metal than ketchup from the same study’s control.^{4Torkashvand J, Torkashvand S, Tamjidi F · 2026Effect of transitional nutrition in intake level of heavy metal from Iranian sauces consumption and its carcinogenic and health risksScientific Reports (Article in Press, accepted 29 September 2026)Read source →} Ketchup, as sold from plastic-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian market had lead higher at 540 µg/kg, against 510 µg/kg for all packaging types, Iranian market in the same study.^{4Torkashvand J, Torkashvand S, Tamjidi F · 2026Effect of transitional nutrition in intake level of heavy metal from Iranian sauces consumption and its carcinogenic and health risksScientific Reports (Article in Press, accepted 29 September 2026)Read source →}

Which regions report the lowest levels in ketchup?

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, ketchup, as sold had the lowest lead subgroup median in PAHO (1.6 µg/kg) and the highest in EMRO (21.5 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 →} For cadmium, the lowest regional median was in EURO (7 µg/kg) and the highest in WPRO (21.5 µg/kg).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

Does processing change heavy metals in ketchup?

Only comparisons between forms in the same study are available, not before-and-after measurements of the same ketchup.^{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 →} Ketchup, canned (5 city composites) had lead higher at 48.9 µg/kg, against 8.1 µg/kg for the unprocessed form in the same group (ketchup, as sold).^{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 →}

How much of the arsenic in ketchup is inorganic?

Inorganic arsenic, the more toxic form, was measured in 2 results from 2 sources, far fewer than total arsenic.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead 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 →} Centre for Food Safety FEHD HKSAR 2012 reported inorganic arsenic at 7 µg/kg (mean) in ketchup, as sold from all samples (4 sampling occasions, composites).^{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 →}

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
COMPARATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT OF SOME TOXIC ELEMENTS’ CONTENTS IN DOMESTIC AND IMPORTED TOMATO PASTES AND KETCHUP IN NIGERIAN MARKETSOladapo FO, Awokoya JO, and Egbedeyi TD · J. Chem. Soc. Nigeria, Vol. 48, No. 3, pp 530-543 [2023] · 2023 · doi.org/10.46602/jcsn.v48i3.890Peer-reviewed
Effect of transitional nutrition in intake level of heavy metal from Iranian sauces consumption and its carcinogenic and health risksTorkashvand J, Torkashvand S, and Tamjidi F · Scientific Reports (Article in Press, accepted 29 September 2026) · 2026 · doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-74543-yPeer-reviewed
A Comparative Study on Presence of Heavy Metals Lead and Cadmium in Tomato Ketchups used by Street Vendors of Delhi NCRVaishali and Negi S · Journal of Advanced Research in Medical Science & Technology · 2020 · doi.org/10.24321/2394.6539.202007Peer-reviewed
The First Hong Kong Total Diet Study: Metallic ContaminantsCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) · Centre for Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region · 2013 · www.cfs.gov.hkGovernment
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

Sources

Browse Ketchup 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 ketchup record in the library: 8 occurrence sources, references by form and basis, same-study contrasts.

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Heavy metals in Ketchup

Ketchup overview

What counts as ketchup

Heavy metal contamination profile of ketchup

How metals reach ketchup

Which forms and regions measured lower

Processing, cooking and preparation

Mitigation for ketchup

Trade-offs and limits of controls

Testing ketchup for metals

Buying and verifying ketchup

Exposure from ketchup

Evidence review and remaining gaps

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References

Sources

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