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Heavy metals in Mozzarella

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

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Mozzarella in the HMI library has 66 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, dimethylarsinic acid, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, Se, Ba, mercury (Hg), Sr and Ti from 5 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 →3Anguebes-Franseschi F, Abatal M, Alejandra Ucan C, Ruiz Marin A, Tamayo-Ordonez F, Canedo-Lopez Y, Perez-Reda L, Damas-Damas S · 2023Determination of the Concentration of Heavy Metals in Artisanal Cheeses Produced in the Mexican States of Tabasco and ChiapasMolecules 2023, 28, 7907Read source →4Marcus OI, Tabaran A, Crisan Reget OL, Dan SD, Panait LC, Lacatus CM, Popescu M, Codea AR, Purdoiu RC, Lacatus R, Petrescu-Mag IV, Nicolescu A, Bora FD · 2026From Farm to Retail: Decoding the Elemental Landscape of Milk and Dairy Products Across Organic and Conventional Production Systems Using ICP–MSToxics 2026, 14, 124Read source →5Crupi R, Lo Turco V, Gugliandolo E, Nava V, Potortì AG, Cuzzocrea S, Di Bella G, Licata P · 2022Mineral Composition in Delactosed Dairy Products: Quality and Safety StatusFoods 2022, 11, 139Read source →

Mozzarella overview

Mozzarella in the HMI library has 66 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, dimethylarsinic acid, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, Se, Ba, Hg, Sr and Ti from 5 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 →3Anguebes-Franseschi F, Abatal M, Alejandra Ucan C, Ruiz Marin A, Tamayo-Ordonez F, Canedo-Lopez Y, Perez-Reda L, Damas-Damas S · 2023Determination of the Concentration of Heavy Metals in Artisanal Cheeses Produced in the Mexican States of Tabasco and ChiapasMolecules 2023, 28, 7907Read source →4Marcus OI, Tabaran A, Crisan Reget OL, Dan SD, Panait LC, Lacatus CM, Popescu M, Codea AR, Purdoiu RC, Lacatus R, Petrescu-Mag IV, Nicolescu A, Bora FD · 2026From Farm to Retail: Decoding the Elemental Landscape of Milk and Dairy Products Across Organic and Conventional Production Systems Using ICP–MSToxics 2026, 14, 124Read source →5Crupi R, Lo Turco V, Gugliandolo E, Nava V, Potortì AG, Cuzzocrea S, Di Bella G, Licata P · 2022Mineral Composition in Delactosed Dairy Products: Quality and Safety StatusFoods 2022, 11, 139Read source → WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in mozzarella, as sold from 3 results in 1 reporting region, with a subgroup median of 9.4 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, mozzarella, as sold had a median lead result below 4 µg/kg across 27 composites from 2017–2020.2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →

Marcus et al. 2026 reported lead at 8 µg/kg (mean) in mozzarella, as sold from Buffalo mozzarella (farm-origin, Certeze area).4Marcus OI, Tabaran A, Crisan Reget OL, Dan SD, Panait LC, Lacatus CM, Popescu M, Codea AR, Purdoiu RC, Lacatus R, Petrescu-Mag IV, Nicolescu A, Bora FD · 2026From Farm to Retail: Decoding the Elemental Landscape of Milk and Dairy Products Across Organic and Conventional Production Systems Using ICP–MSToxics 2026, 14, 124Read source → Crupi et al. 2022 reported cadmium at 23 µg/kg (mean ± 3 SD) in mozzarella, as sold from retail, markets in Sicily.5Crupi R, Lo Turco V, Gugliandolo E, Nava V, Potortì AG, Cuzzocrea S, Di Bella G, Licata P · 2022Mineral Composition in Delactosed Dairy Products: Quality and Safety StatusFoods 2022, 11, 139Read source →

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

What counts as mozzarella

This page covers mozzarella, as sold (66 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 →3Anguebes-Franseschi F, Abatal M, Alejandra Ucan C, Ruiz Marin A, Tamayo-Ordonez F, Canedo-Lopez Y, Perez-Reda L, Damas-Damas S · 2023Determination of the Concentration of Heavy Metals in Artisanal Cheeses Produced in the Mexican States of Tabasco and ChiapasMolecules 2023, 28, 7907Read source →4Marcus OI, Tabaran A, Crisan Reget OL, Dan SD, Panait LC, Lacatus CM, Popescu M, Codea AR, Purdoiu RC, Lacatus R, Petrescu-Mag IV, Nicolescu A, Bora FD · 2026From Farm to Retail: Decoding the Elemental Landscape of Milk and Dairy Products Across Organic and Conventional Production Systems Using ICP–MSToxics 2026, 14, 124Read source →5Crupi R, Lo Turco V, Gugliandolo E, Nava V, Potortì AG, Cuzzocrea S, Di Bella G, Licata P · 2022Mineral Composition in Delactosed Dairy Products: Quality and Safety StatusFoods 2022, 11, 139Read 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 mozzarella

The table holds every extracted mozzarella result: one row for each statistic a source reports for a form, group and metal, 66 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 →3Anguebes-Franseschi F, Abatal M, Alejandra Ucan C, Ruiz Marin A, Tamayo-Ordonez F, Canedo-Lopez Y, Perez-Reda L, Damas-Damas S · 2023Determination of the Concentration of Heavy Metals in Artisanal Cheeses Produced in the Mexican States of Tabasco and ChiapasMolecules 2023, 28, 7907Read source →4Marcus OI, Tabaran A, Crisan Reget OL, Dan SD, Panait LC, Lacatus CM, Popescu M, Codea AR, Purdoiu RC, Lacatus R, Petrescu-Mag IV, Nicolescu A, Bora FD · 2026From Farm to Retail: Decoding the Elemental Landscape of Milk and Dairy Products Across Organic and Conventional Production Systems Using ICP–MSToxics 2026, 14, 124Read source →5Crupi R, Lo Turco V, Gugliandolo E, Nava V, Potortì AG, Cuzzocrea S, Di Bella G, Licata P · 2022Mineral Composition in Delactosed Dairy Products: Quality and Safety StatusFoods 2022, 11, 139Read 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 →

5 rows can be rated against an HMI reference for the same form and basis, 1 row 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 mozzarella, 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
Mozzarella findings from monitoring programmes, total diet studies and every extracted field, market and contaminated-site study, in µg/kg with each source’s form, basis, statistic and censoring retained.
Food formCollection scopeFinding (µg/kg)ComparisonEvidence
6 findings · 5 studies
Mozzarella, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2014–2016As sold / freshmedian.
Mozzarella, as soldFDA Total Diet Study6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / freshmedian.
Mozzarella, as soldAnguebes-Franseschi et al. 2023mozzarella cheese, Huimanguillo, Tabasco (sample 1)Collection date unreportedAs sold / freshsample value.
Mozzarella, as soldMarcus et al. 2026Buffalo mozzarella (farm-origin, Certeze area)2025As sold / freshmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportednot detected.
7 findings · 5 studies
Mozzarella, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodEURO2006–2007As sold / freshmedian.
Mozzarella, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2015–2017As sold / freshmedian.
Mozzarella, as soldFDA Total Diet Study6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / freshmedian.
Mozzarella, as soldAnguebes-Franseschi et al. 2023mozzarella cheese, Huimanguillo, Tabasco (sample 1)Collection date unreportedAs sold / freshsample value.
Mozzarella, as soldMarcus et al. 2026Buffalo mozzarella (farm-origin, Certeze area)2025As sold / freshnot detected.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
7 findings · 4 studies
Mozzarella, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodEURO2020–2023As sold / freshmedian.
Mozzarella, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodEURO2017As sold / freshmedian.
Mozzarella, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodEURO2015–2022As sold / freshmedian.
Mozzarella, as soldFDA Total Diet Study6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / freshmedian.
Mozzarella, as soldMarcus et al. 2026Buffalo mozzarella (farm-origin, Certeze area)2025As sold / freshmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportednot detected.
2 findings · 1 study
Mozzarella, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodEURO2023As sold / freshmedian.
Mozzarella, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodEURO2018As sold / freshmedian.
1 finding · 1 study
Mozzarella, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodEURO2023As sold / freshmedian.
2 findings · 2 studies
Mozzarella, as soldFDA Total Diet Study6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / freshmedian.
Mozzarella, as soldMarcus et al. 2026Buffalo mozzarella (farm-origin, Certeze area)2025As sold / freshnot detected.
5 findings · 4 studies
Mozzarella, as soldFDA Total Diet Study6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / freshmedian.
Mozzarella, as soldAnguebes-Franseschi et al. 2023mozzarella cheese, Huimanguillo, Tabasco (sample 1)Collection date unreportedAs sold / freshsample value.
Mozzarella, as soldMarcus et al. 2026Buffalo mozzarella (farm-origin, Certeze area)2025As sold / freshmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
4 findings · 3 studies
Mozzarella, as soldFDA Total Diet Study6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / freshmedian.
Mozzarella, as soldMarcus et al. 2026Buffalo mozzarella (farm-origin, Certeze area)2025As sold / freshmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
3 findings · 2 studies
Mozzarella, as soldMarcus et al. 2026Buffalo mozzarella (farm-origin, Certeze area)2025As sold / freshmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
1 finding · 1 study
Mozzarella, as soldMarcus et al. 2026Buffalo mozzarella (farm-origin, Certeze area)2025As sold / freshmean.
1 finding · 1 study
Mozzarella, as soldFDA Total Diet Study6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / freshmedian.
2 findings · 1 study
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
4 findings · 3 studies
Mozzarella, as soldAnguebes-Franseschi et al. 2023mozzarella cheese, Huimanguillo, Tabasco (sample 1)Collection date unreportedAs sold / freshsample value.
Mozzarella, as soldMarcus et al. 2026Buffalo mozzarella (farm-origin, Certeze area)2025As sold / freshmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportednot detected.
3 findings · 2 studies
Mozzarella, as soldAnguebes-Franseschi et al. 2023mozzarella cheese, Huimanguillo, Tabasco (sample 1)Collection date unreportedAs sold / freshsample value.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
2 findings · 1 study
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
4 findings · 3 studies
Mozzarella, as soldAnguebes-Franseschi et al. 2023mozzarella cheese, Huimanguillo, Tabasco (sample 1)Collection date unreportedAs sold / freshsample value.
Mozzarella, as soldMarcus et al. 2026Buffalo mozzarella (farm-origin, Certeze area)2025As sold / freshmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
2 findings · 1 study
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
2 findings · 1 study
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportednot detected.
2 findings · 1 study
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
2 findings · 1 study
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
2 findings · 1 study
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
2 findings · 1 study
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
Mozzarella, as soldCrupi et al. 2022retail, markets in SicilyCollection date unreportedmean.
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 mozzarella Pb reference · Mozzarella, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤3.53.5–4 (bounded)5.25–6.25 (bounded)
Alternative weighting≤3.53.5–4 (bounded)5.25–6.25 (bounded)

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
WHO GEMS/Food233%
FDA Total Diet Study2733%
Anguebes-Franseschi et al. 2023133%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

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

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:mozzarella-18acc9891f29:975f77b69319

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 mozzarella Cd reference · Mozzarella, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤1≤2.62.6–3.33 (bounded)
Alternative weighting≤1≤2.62.6–3.33 (bounded)

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
WHO GEMS/Food533%
FDA Total Diet Study2733%
Anguebes-Franseschi et al. 2023133%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

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

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:mozzarella-57f7d3e6cf13:0feea513d3b3

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 mozzarella tAs reference · Mozzarella, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤3≤3≤22.6
Alternative weighting≤3≤3≤22.6

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
WHO GEMS/Food650%
FDA Total Diet Study2750%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

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

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:mozzarella-b67313a72484:3c275366a464

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 mozzarella iAs reference · Mozzarella, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤20≤20≤20
Alternative weighting≤20≤20≤20

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
WHO GEMS/Food1100%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

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

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:mozzarella-8f33574eeddb:56e9b6d8c6d1

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 mozzarella DMA reference · Mozzarella, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤20≤20≤20
Alternative weighting≤20≤20≤20

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
WHO GEMS/Food1100%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

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

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:mozzarella-f3e0a2274d85:2b68c2efb430

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 mozzarella tHg reference · Mozzarella, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤1≤1≤1
Alternative weighting≤1≤1≤1

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
FDA Total Diet Study27100%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

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

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:mozzarella-5be2d14b4520:eb734615e88e

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 mozzarella Ni reference · Mozzarella, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤0.70.7–20.4 (bounded)0.7–40 (bounded)
Alternative weighting≤0.70.7–20.4 (bounded)0.7–40 (bounded)

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
FDA Total Diet Study2750%
Anguebes-Franseschi et al. 2023150%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

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

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:mozzarella-d432740a7654:c5916f1bf6ac

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 mozzarella Cr reference · Mozzarella, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤50≤50≤50
Alternative weighting≤50≤50≤50

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
FDA Total Diet Study27100%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

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

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:mozzarella-fbf7408ae2e0:efd130890f3b

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 mozzarella U reference · Mozzarella, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤12.84.6
Alternative weighting≤12.954.6

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
FDA Total Diet Study27100%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

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

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:mozzarella-77b7fef565a8:32b2bfbc8726

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 mozzarella Cu reference · Mozzarella, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference11.211.211.2
Alternative weighting11.211.211.2

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Anguebes-Franseschi et al. 20231100%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

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

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:mozzarella-ec4929eaec08:3c3675438440

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 mozzarella Fe reference · Mozzarella, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference636006360063600
Alternative weighting636006360063600

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Anguebes-Franseschi et al. 20231100%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

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

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:mozzarella-70b5be4f0b85:cda78692ee40

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 mozzarella Zn reference · Mozzarella, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference102102102
Alternative weighting102102102

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Anguebes-Franseschi et al. 20231100%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

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

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:mozzarella-35101750d2d5:d2e4ba9dbb3f

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

1 dataset

How metals reach mozzarella

No study in the library compared mozzarella from contaminated and ordinary settings, so the routes by which metals reach it are not measured here.

Which forms and regions measured lower

The HMI reference for lead in mozzarella, as sold pools 30 subgroup units from 3 sampling families, with a median of between 3.5 and 4 µg/kg and a middle half spanning below 3.5 (lower quartile) and between 5.25 and 6.25 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 →3Anguebes-Franseschi F, Abatal M, Alejandra Ucan C, Ruiz Marin A, Tamayo-Ordonez F, Canedo-Lopez Y, Perez-Reda L, Damas-Damas S · 2023Determination of the Concentration of Heavy Metals in Artisanal Cheeses Produced in the Mexican States of Tabasco and ChiapasMolecules 2023, 28, 7907Read source → For cadmium in mozzarella, as sold, the reference median was below 2.6 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 1 to between 2.6 and 3.33 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 →3Anguebes-Franseschi F, Abatal M, Alejandra Ucan C, Ruiz Marin A, Tamayo-Ordonez F, Canedo-Lopez Y, Perez-Reda L, Damas-Damas S · 2023Determination of the Concentration of Heavy Metals in Artisanal Cheeses Produced in the Mexican States of Tabasco and ChiapasMolecules 2023, 28, 7907Read source → For total arsenic in mozzarella, as sold, the reference median was below 3 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 3 to below 22.6 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 →

Processing, cooking and preparation

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

Mitigation for mozzarella

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

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

Trade-offs and limits of controls

Metals do not move together, so a lot that passes a lead limit says little about cadmium, arsenic or nickel unless those are tested as well.

Testing mozzarella for metals

Results depend on the method and its reporting limit. Reporting limits for lead ranged from 4 µg/kg (FDA Total Diet Study) to 5 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food), so a non-detect from a less sensitive method says much less.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source → Reporting limits for cadmium ranged from 1 µg/kg (FDA Total Diet Study) to 5 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food), so a non-detect from a less sensitive method says much less.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source → Reporting limits for total arsenic ranged from 3 µg/kg (FDA Total Diet Study) to 40 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food), so a non-detect from a less sensitive method says much less.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →

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

Buying and verifying mozzarella

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

Exposure from mozzarella

No source in the library converted mozzarella 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 mozzarella was decided on its content: 5 occurrence extracted, 5 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.

Mozzarella FAQs

What heavy metals are found in mozzarella?

The library reports lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, dimethylarsinic acid, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, Se, Ba, Hg, Sr and Ti in mozzarella, 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 →3Anguebes-Franseschi F, Abatal M, Alejandra Ucan C, Ruiz Marin A, Tamayo-Ordonez F, Canedo-Lopez Y, Perez-Reda L, Damas-Damas S · 2023Determination of the Concentration of Heavy Metals in Artisanal Cheeses Produced in the Mexican States of Tabasco and ChiapasMolecules 2023, 28, 7907Read source →4Marcus OI, Tabaran A, Crisan Reget OL, Dan SD, Panait LC, Lacatus CM, Popescu M, Codea AR, Purdoiu RC, Lacatus R, Petrescu-Mag IV, Nicolescu A, Bora FD · 2026From Farm to Retail: Decoding the Elemental Landscape of Milk and Dairy Products Across Organic and Conventional Production Systems Using ICP–MSToxics 2026, 14, 124Read source → WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in mozzarella, as sold from 3 results in 1 reporting region, with a subgroup median of 9.4 µg/kg.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →

How much of the arsenic in mozzarella is inorganic?

Inorganic arsenic, the more toxic form, was measured in 2 results from 1 source, far fewer than total arsenic.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source → WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported inorganic arsenic in mozzarella, as sold from 3 results in 1 reporting region, with subgroup medians below 40 µg/kg, mostly non-detects.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →

References

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

  1. GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsWorld Health Organization · GEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment Programme · 2026 · extranet.who.intDataset
  2. FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsU.S. Food and Drug Administration · FDA Total Diet Study · 2022 · www.fda.govDataset
  3. Determination of the Concentration of Heavy Metals in Artisanal Cheeses Produced in the Mexican States of Tabasco and ChiapasAnguebes-Franseschi F, Abatal M, Alejandra Ucan C, Ruiz Marin A, Tamayo-Ordonez F, Canedo-Lopez Y, et al. · Molecules 2023, 28, 7907 · 2023 · doi.org/10.3390/molecules28237907Peer-reviewed
  4. From Farm to Retail: Decoding the Elemental Landscape of Milk and Dairy Products Across Organic and Conventional Production Systems Using ICP–MSMarcus OI, Tabaran A, Crisan Reget OL, Dan SD, Panait LC, Lacatus CM, et al. · Toxics 2026, 14, 124 · 2026 · doi.org/10.3390/toxics14020124Peer-reviewed
  5. Mineral Composition in Delactosed Dairy Products: Quality and Safety StatusCrupi R, Lo Turco V, Gugliandolo E, Nava V, Potortì AG, Cuzzocrea S, et al. · Foods 2022, 11, 139 · 2022 · doi.org/10.3390/foods11020139Peer-reviewed

Sources

Browse Mozzarella 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 mozzarella record in the library: 5 occurrence sources, references by form and basis, same-study contrasts.

Graph View