Heavy metals in Mayonnaise

Quick read

Mayonnaise in the HMI library has 64 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, uranium, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn from 6 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 →}^{3Spungen 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 →}^{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 →}^{5Cantoral A, Betanzos-Robledo L, Collado-López S, García-Martínez BA, Lamadrid-Figueroa H, Mariscal-Moreno RM, Díaz-Ruiz A, Ríos C, Téllez-Rojo MM · 2024Lead Levels in the Most Consumed Mexican Foods: First Monitoring EffortToxicsRead source →}^{6Dabeka RW, McKenzie AD, Bradley P · 2003Survey of total mercury in total diet food composites and an estimation of the dietary intake of mercury by adults and children from two Canadian cities, 1998-2000Food Additives & ContaminantsRead source →}

Metals measured:
Lead, cadmium, total arsenic, total mercury, nickel and chromium and others, in 64 results from 6 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 →}^{3Spungen 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 →}^{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:
Mayonnaise, as sold from glass-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian market had lead higher at 680 µg/kg, against 670 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 →}^{3Spungen 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 →}^{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 →}

Mayonnaise overview

Mayonnaise in the HMI library has 64 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, uranium, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn from 6 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 →}^{3Spungen 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 →}^{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 →}^{5Cantoral A, Betanzos-Robledo L, Collado-López S, García-Martínez BA, Lamadrid-Figueroa H, Mariscal-Moreno RM, Díaz-Ruiz A, Ríos C, Téllez-Rojo MM · 2024Lead Levels in the Most Consumed Mexican Foods: First Monitoring EffortToxicsRead source →}^{6Dabeka RW, McKenzie AD, Bradley P · 2003Survey of total mercury in total diet food composites and an estimation of the dietary intake of mercury by adults and children from two Canadian cities, 1998-2000Food Additives & ContaminantsRead source →} WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in mayonnaise, as sold from 159 results in 2 reporting regions, with subgroup medians from 7 to 16.9 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, mayonnaise, 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 →}

Torkashvand et al. 2026 reported lead at 670 µg/kg (mean) in mayonnaise, as sold from all packaging types, Iranian market.^{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 →} Higher results came from contaminated or exposed settings rather than ordinary supply. Mayonnaise, as sold from sachet-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian market had chromium higher at 640 µg/kg, against 400 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 mayonnaise came from and the laboratory’s reporting limit. Testing finds contamination but does not remove it.

What counts as mayonnaise

This page covers mayonnaise in 2 forms kept separate in every comparison: mayonnaise, as sold (58 results) and mayonnaise, oil (6 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 →}^{3Spungen 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 →}^{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 →}^{5Cantoral A, Betanzos-Robledo L, Collado-López S, García-Martínez BA, Lamadrid-Figueroa H, Mariscal-Moreno RM, Díaz-Ruiz A, Ríos C, Téllez-Rojo MM · 2024Lead Levels in the Most Consumed Mexican Foods: First Monitoring EffortToxicsRead source →}^{6Dabeka RW, McKenzie AD, Bradley P · 2003Survey of total mercury in total diet food composites and an estimation of the dietary intake of mercury by adults and children from two Canadian cities, 1998-2000Food Additives & ContaminantsRead 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 mayonnaise

The table holds every extracted mayonnaise result: one row for each statistic a source reports for a form, group and metal, 64 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 →}^{3Spungen 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 →}^{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 →}^{5Cantoral A, Betanzos-Robledo L, Collado-López S, García-Martínez BA, Lamadrid-Figueroa H, Mariscal-Moreno RM, Díaz-Ruiz A, Ríos C, Téllez-Rojo MM · 2024Lead Levels in the Most Consumed Mexican Foods: First Monitoring EffortToxicsRead source →}^{6Dabeka RW, McKenzie AD, Bradley P · 2003Survey of total mercury in total diet food composites and an estimation of the dietary intake of mercury by adults and children from two Canadian cities, 1998-2000Food Additives & ContaminantsRead 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 →}

0 rows can be rated against an HMI reference for the same form and basis, 24 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 mayonnaise, 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

Mayonnaise 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)

16 findings · 5 studies
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2018	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2007	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2015	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2014–2023	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2020	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2015	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2015	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2012–2017	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldSpungen et al. 2024	all samples2018–2020	not detected.
Mayonnaise, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	all packaging types, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Mayonnaise, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	glass-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Mayonnaise, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	plastic-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Mayonnaise, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	sachet-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Mayonnaise, as soldCantoral et al. 2024	Fats and oils (retail, Mexico City)2022–2023Basis not stated	not detected.
1 finding · 1 study
Mayonnaise, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.

6 findings · 3 studies
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2018	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2005	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2019	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2011–2017	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldSpungen et al. 2024	all samples2018–2020	not detected.
1 finding · 1 study
Mayonnaise, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.

5 findings · 2 studies
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2008–2015	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2015	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2014–2022	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2020	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
1 finding · 1 study
Mayonnaise, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.

4 findings · 3 studies
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2004–2020	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2015	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
Mayonnaise, as soldDabeka et al. 2003	Ottawa composite (retail Oct-Nov 2000)1998–2000	not detected.
1 finding · 1 study
Mayonnaise, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.

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

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

4 findings · 1 study
Mayonnaise, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	all packaging types, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Mayonnaise, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	glass-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Mayonnaise, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	plastic-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
Mayonnaise, as soldTorkashvand et al. 2026	sachet-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian marketCollection date unreported	mean.
1 finding · 1 study
Mayonnaise, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.

1 finding · 1 study
Mayonnaise, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.

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

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

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

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

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

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤4	≤4	≤7
Alternative weighting	≤4	≤4	≤7

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	33	33%
FDA Total Diet Study	3	33%
Spungen et al. 2024	1	33%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for mayonnaise, 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:mayonnaise-424383e7d904:3e5a6470c1ee

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 mayonnaise Pb reference · Mayonnaise, oil

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤2.5	5.65–6.9 (bounded)	11.3
Alternative weighting	≤2.5	5.65–6.9 (bounded)	11.3

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 mayonnaise, oil 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 mayonnaise, oil on this basis in the completed mayonnaise 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:mayonnaise-9e2434fe81a8:23bf2bacbe77

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 mayonnaise Cd reference · Mayonnaise, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI mayonnaise Cd reference · Mayonnaise, as sold. Mayonnaise, 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

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	22	33%
FDA Total Diet Study	3	33%
Spungen et al. 2024	1	33%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for mayonnaise, 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:mayonnaise-278f8446c816:981dc51f017c

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 mayonnaise Cd reference · Mayonnaise, oil

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤0.5	2.46–2.71 (bounded)	4.92
Alternative weighting	≤0.5	2.46–2.71 (bounded)	4.92

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 mayonnaise, oil 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 mayonnaise, oil on this basis in the completed mayonnaise 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:mayonnaise-9de24be8a2a5:a4ded8cc40a3

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 mayonnaise tAs reference · Mayonnaise, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤3	≤3	≤5
Alternative weighting	≤3	≤3	≤5

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	9	50%
FDA Total Diet Study	3	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for mayonnaise, 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:mayonnaise-7f1a44a60f79:a077549056f3

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 mayonnaise tAs reference · Mayonnaise, oil

Reference and scope

HMI mayonnaise tAs reference · Mayonnaise, oil. Mayonnaise, oil; 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	24.2–26.7 (bounded)	48.3
Alternative weighting	≤5	24.2–26.7 (bounded)	48.3

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 mayonnaise, oil 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 mayonnaise, oil on this basis in the completed mayonnaise 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:mayonnaise-1407f63ad1e6:45808a28ba0e

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 mayonnaise tHg reference · Mayonnaise, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤0.23	≤0.265	≤1
Alternative weighting	≤0.23	≤0.23	≤1

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	12	33%
FDA Total Diet Study	3	33%
Dabeka et al. 2003	1	33%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for mayonnaise, 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:mayonnaise-df7f79ad89b6:ff71ea99d6ef

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 mayonnaise tHg reference · Mayonnaise, oil

Reference and scope

HMI mayonnaise tHg reference · Mayonnaise, oil. Mayonnaise, oil; 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	6.75–9.25 (bounded)	13.5
Alternative weighting	≤5	6.75–9.25 (bounded)	13.5

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

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

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for mayonnaise, oil 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 mayonnaise, oil on this basis in the completed mayonnaise 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:mayonnaise-1b2327964420:3822769e4fe6

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 mayonnaise Ni reference · Mayonnaise, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤40	≤40	≤40
Alternative weighting	≤40	≤40	≤40

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

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

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for mayonnaise, 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 mayonnaise, as sold on this basis in the completed mayonnaise 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:mayonnaise-b21e2a6b3067:c42e03a655e6

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 mayonnaise Cr reference · Mayonnaise, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI mayonnaise Cr reference · Mayonnaise, as sold. Mayonnaise, 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 mayonnaise, 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 mayonnaise, as sold on this basis in the completed mayonnaise 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:mayonnaise-9affed07aa0c:5c2083509c96

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 mayonnaise Al reference · Mayonnaise, oil

Reference and scope

HMI mayonnaise Al reference · Mayonnaise, oil. Mayonnaise, oil; 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	≤236	≤236	≤236
Alternative weighting	≤236	≤236	≤236

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 mayonnaise, oil 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 mayonnaise, oil on this basis in the completed mayonnaise 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:mayonnaise-a38d8647619c:55d2d1405642

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 mayonnaise Sn reference · Mayonnaise, oil

Reference and scope

HMI mayonnaise Sn reference · Mayonnaise, oil. Mayonnaise, oil; 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	9.4–10.2 (bounded)	18.8
Alternative weighting	≤1.5	9.4–10.2 (bounded)	18.8

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 mayonnaise, oil 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 mayonnaise, oil on this basis in the completed mayonnaise 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:mayonnaise-03073b20f5f9:c5ef3b0ad4e7

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 mayonnaise U reference · Mayonnaise, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI mayonnaise U reference · Mayonnaise, as sold. Mayonnaise, 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 mayonnaise, 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 mayonnaise, as sold on this basis in the completed mayonnaise 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:mayonnaise-2e6a17eaecab:d3afb0f791ad

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 mayonnaise

The evidence on how metals reach mayonnaise comes from studies that compared exposed and ordinary settings. Mayonnaise, as sold from sachet-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian market had chromium higher at 640 µg/kg, against 400 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 mayonnaise, as sold pools 37 subgroup units from 3 sampling families, with a median of below 4 µg/kg and a middle half spanning below 4 (lower quartile) and below 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 →}^{3Spungen 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 mayonnaise, as sold, the reference median was below 1 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 1 to below 1 µg/kg across 26 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 →}^{3Spungen 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 total arsenic in mayonnaise, as sold, the reference median was below 3 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 3 to below 5 µg/kg across 12 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, mayonnaise, as sold had the lowest lead subgroup median in EURO (7 µg/kg) and the highest in PAHO (16.9 µg/kg); reporting regions are markets, not growing areas.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

Processing, cooking and preparation

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

Mitigation for mayonnaise

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 mayonnaise for metals

Results depend on the method and its reporting limit. Reporting limits for lead ranged from 1 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 4,000 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food), so a non-detect from a less sensitive method says much less.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} Reporting limits for cadmium ranged from 0.5 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 1,200 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 →} Reporting limits for total arsenic ranged from 3 µg/kg (FDA Total Diet Study) to 50 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 mayonnaise

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

Exposure from mayonnaise

No source in the library converted mayonnaise 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 mayonnaise was decided on its content: 6 occurrence extracted, 6 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.

Mayonnaise FAQs

What heavy metals are found in mayonnaise?

The library reports lead, cadmium, total arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, uranium, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in mayonnaise, 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 →}^{3Spungen 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 →}^{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 mayonnaise, as sold from 159 results in 2 reporting regions, with subgroup medians from 7 to 16.9 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 mayonnaise?

In the studies available, mayonnaise from contaminated or exposed settings carried more metal than mayonnaise 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 →} Mayonnaise, as sold from glass-packed, 4 brands x 3 production series, Iranian market had lead higher at 680 µg/kg, against 670 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 mayonnaise?

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, mayonnaise, as sold had the lowest lead subgroup median in EURO (7 µg/kg) and the highest in PAHO (16.9 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 →}

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
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
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
Lead Levels in the Most Consumed Mexican Foods: First Monitoring EffortCantoral A, Betanzos-Robledo L, Collado-López S, García-Martínez BA, Lamadrid-Figueroa H, Mariscal-Moreno RM, et al. · Toxics · 2024 · doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050318Peer-reviewed
Survey of total mercury in total diet food composites and an estimation of the dietary intake of mercury by adults and children from two Canadian cities, 1998-2000Dabeka RW, McKenzie AD, and Bradley P · Food Additives & Contaminants · 2003 · doi.org/10.1080/0265203031000119034Peer-reviewed

Sources

Browse Mayonnaise 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 mayonnaise record in the library: 6 occurrence sources, references by form and basis, same-study contrasts.

Referenced by

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Food and Drug Administration

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Food Additives

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Heavy metals in Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise overview

What counts as mayonnaise

Heavy metal contamination profile of mayonnaise

How metals reach mayonnaise

Which forms and regions measured lower

Processing, cooking and preparation

Mitigation for mayonnaise

Trade-offs and limits of controls

Testing mayonnaise for metals

Buying and verifying mayonnaise

Exposure from mayonnaise

Evidence review and remaining gaps

Mayonnaise FAQs

References

Sources

Update history

Related ingredients

Referenced by

Graph View