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Plain noodles, egg noodles, pasta, whole wheat pasta and quinoa illustrating quinoa ingredient context.

Heavy metals in Quinoa

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

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Quinoa in the HMI library has 330 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, dimethylarsinic acid, monomethylarsonic acid, total mercury, nickel, chromium, tin, uranium, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn from 10 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 →3Bielecka J, Markiewicz-Żukowska R, Puścion-Jakubik A, Grabia M, Nowakowski P, Soroczyńska J, Socha K · 2022Gluten-Free Cereals and Pseudocereals as a Potential Source of Exposure to Toxic Elements among Polish ResidentsNutrients 2022, 14, 2342Read source →4Houlihan J, Naumoff K · 2025What’s in your family’s rice? Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead in Popular Rice Brands - Plus 9 Safer Grains to TryHealthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) reportRead source →5Román-Ochoa Y, Choque Delgado GT, Tejada TR, Yucra HR, Durand AE, Hamaker BR · 2021Heavy metal contamination and health risk assessment in grains and grain-based processed food in Arequipa region of PeruChemosphereRead source →6U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Reform, Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy · 2021Baby Foods Are Tainted with Dangerous Levels of Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, and MercuryStaff ReportRead source →

Quinoa overview

Quinoa in the HMI library has 330 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, dimethylarsinic acid, monomethylarsonic acid, total mercury, nickel, chromium, tin, uranium, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn from 10 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 →3Bielecka J, Markiewicz-Żukowska R, Puścion-Jakubik A, Grabia M, Nowakowski P, Soroczyńska J, Socha K · 2022Gluten-Free Cereals and Pseudocereals as a Potential Source of Exposure to Toxic Elements among Polish ResidentsNutrients 2022, 14, 2342Read source →4Houlihan J, Naumoff K · 2025What’s in your family’s rice? Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead in Popular Rice Brands - Plus 9 Safer Grains to TryHealthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) reportRead source →5Román-Ochoa Y, Choque Delgado GT, Tejada TR, Yucra HR, Durand AE, Hamaker BR · 2021Heavy metal contamination and health risk assessment in grains and grain-based processed food in Arequipa region of PeruChemosphereRead source →6U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Reform, Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy · 2021Baby Foods Are Tainted with Dangerous Levels of Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, and MercuryStaff ReportRead source → WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in quinoa, as sold from 442 results in 2 reporting regions, with a subgroup median of 15 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, quinoa, cooked had a median lead result below 4 µg/kg across 3 composites from 2018–2020.2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →

Across 2 other studies of ordinary farms and markets, reported lead means and medians on an as-sold or fresh-weight basis ranged from 5 µg/kg (Spungen et al. 2024) to 57.7 µg/kg (Bielecka et al. 2022).3Bielecka J, Markiewicz-Żukowska R, Puścion-Jakubik A, Grabia M, Nowakowski P, Soroczyńska J, Socha K · 2022Gluten-Free Cereals and Pseudocereals as a Potential Source of Exposure to Toxic Elements among Polish ResidentsNutrients 2022, 14, 2342Read source →7Spungen 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, 2 studies on an as-sold or fresh-weight basis reported means and medians from 11 µg/kg (Spungen et al. 2024) to 33.7 µg/kg (Bielecka et al. 2022).3Bielecka J, Markiewicz-Żukowska R, Puścion-Jakubik A, Grabia M, Nowakowski P, Soroczyńska J, Socha K · 2022Gluten-Free Cereals and Pseudocereals as a Potential Source of Exposure to Toxic Elements among Polish ResidentsNutrients 2022, 14, 2342Read source →7Spungen JH, et al. · 2024Infants’ and young children’s dietary exposures to lead and cadmium: FDA total diet study 2018-2020Food Additives & Contaminants: Part ARead source →

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

What counts as quinoa

This page covers quinoa in 3 forms kept separate in every comparison: quinoa, as sold (312 results), quinoa, cooked (9 results) and quinoa, flour or meal (9 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 →3Bielecka J, Markiewicz-Żukowska R, Puścion-Jakubik A, Grabia M, Nowakowski P, Soroczyńska J, Socha K · 2022Gluten-Free Cereals and Pseudocereals as a Potential Source of Exposure to Toxic Elements among Polish ResidentsNutrients 2022, 14, 2342Read source →4Houlihan J, Naumoff K · 2025What’s in your family’s rice? Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead in Popular Rice Brands - Plus 9 Safer Grains to TryHealthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) reportRead source →5Román-Ochoa Y, Choque Delgado GT, Tejada TR, Yucra HR, Durand AE, Hamaker BR · 2021Heavy metal contamination and health risk assessment in grains and grain-based processed food in Arequipa region of PeruChemosphereRead source →6U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Reform, Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy · 2021Baby Foods Are Tainted with Dangerous Levels of Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, and MercuryStaff ReportRead 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 quinoa

The table holds every extracted quinoa result: one row for each statistic a source reports for a form, group and metal, 330 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 →3Bielecka J, Markiewicz-Żukowska R, Puścion-Jakubik A, Grabia M, Nowakowski P, Soroczyńska J, Socha K · 2022Gluten-Free Cereals and Pseudocereals as a Potential Source of Exposure to Toxic Elements among Polish ResidentsNutrients 2022, 14, 2342Read source →4Houlihan J, Naumoff K · 2025What’s in your family’s rice? Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead in Popular Rice Brands - Plus 9 Safer Grains to TryHealthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) reportRead source →5Román-Ochoa Y, Choque Delgado GT, Tejada TR, Yucra HR, Durand AE, Hamaker BR · 2021Heavy metal contamination and health risk assessment in grains and grain-based processed food in Arequipa region of PeruChemosphereRead source →6U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Reform, Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy · 2021Baby Foods Are Tainted with Dangerous Levels of Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, and MercuryStaff ReportRead 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 →

59 rows can be rated against an HMI reference for the same form and basis, 49 rows have a direct same-study comparison, and the rest stay unrated with the reason recorded. 6 values from 1 source failed a check against their own source and are shown but not compared.3Bielecka J, Markiewicz-Żukowska R, Puścion-Jakubik A, Grabia M, Nowakowski P, Soroczyńska J, Socha K · 2022Gluten-Free Cereals and Pseudocereals as a Potential Source of Exposure to Toxic Elements among Polish ResidentsNutrients 2022, 14, 2342Read source →

Comparison methods and scope

Each row is one statistic a source reports for one form of quinoa, 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
Quinoa 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
30 findings · 5 studies · 20 spread figures folded in
Quinoa, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodEURO2016–2022As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2014–2018As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2013–2015As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2013As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2018As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2018As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2016–2022As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022all samples2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022all samples2021As sold / freshmean.Same samples: 34.3 µg/kg (minimum); 65.6 µg/kg (maximum); 54.3 µg/kg (percentile); 57.6 µg/kg (percentile)
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmean.Same samples: 34.3 µg/kg (minimum); 34.8 µg/kg (minimum); 54.3 µg/kg (minimum); 37.7 µg/kg (minimum); 58.4 µg/kg (maximum); 57.3 µg/kg (maximum); 65.6 µg/kg (maximum); 55.3 µg/kg (percentile); 58.3 µg/kg (percentile); 57.6 µg/kg (percentile); 55.1 µg/kg (percentile); 55.6 µg/kg (percentile); 53.8 µg/kg (percentile); 55.4 µg/kg (percentile)
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmean.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmean.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmean.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightnot detected.
Quinoa, as soldRomán-Ochoa et al. 2021all samples of this type2019Basis not statedmean.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Reform, Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy 2021US baby-food manufacturer B, ingredient lot, test date 9/28/20172016–2019Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Reform, Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy 2021US baby-food manufacturer B, ingredient lot, test date 9/28/20172016–2019Basis not statedsample value.
2 findings · 2 studies
Quinoa, cookedFDA Total Diet Study1 collection regions2018–2020As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, cookedSpungen et al. 2024all samples2018–2020As sold / freshmean.
5 findings · 2 studies
Quinoa, flour or mealRomán-Ochoa et al. 2021all samples of this type2019Basis not statedmean.
Quinoa, flour or mealU.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Reform, Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy 2021US baby-food manufacturer B, ingredient lot, test date 6/19/20182016–2019Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, flour or mealU.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Reform, Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy 2021US baby-food manufacturer B, ingredient lot, test date 8/15/20182016–2019Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, flour or mealU.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Reform, Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy 2021US baby-food manufacturer C2016–2019Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, flour or mealU.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Reform, Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy 2021US baby-food manufacturer C2016–2019Basis not statedsample value.
31 findings · 5 studies · 16 spread figures folded in
Quinoa, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodEURO2016–2022As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2012–2018As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2015–2023As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022all samples2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022all samples2021As sold / freshmean.Same samples: 10 µg/kg (minimum); 53.4 µg/kg (maximum); 22.7 µg/kg (percentile); 32.1 µg/kg (percentile)
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmean.Same samples: 17.3 µg/kg (minimum); 17.2 µg/kg (minimum); 10 µg/kg (minimum); 32.1 µg/kg (maximum); 31.1 µg/kg (maximum); 53.4 µg/kg (maximum); 18.3 µg/kg (percentile); 25.9 µg/kg (percentile); 17.7 µg/kg (percentile); 30.7 µg/kg (percentile); 24.7 µg/kg (percentile); 41 µg/kg (percentile)
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmean.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmean.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmean.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmin.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmax.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshpercentile.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshpercentile.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldMattila et al. 2018commercial product, Finland (n = 1)Collection date unreportedDry weightmean.
Quinoa, as soldMattila et al. 2018commercial product, Finland (n = 1)Collection date unreportedDry weightmean.
Quinoa, as soldRomán-Ochoa et al. 2021all samples of this type2019Basis not statedmean.
2 findings · 2 studies
Quinoa, cookedFDA Total Diet Study1 collection regions2018–2020As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, cookedSpungen et al. 2024all samples2018–2020As sold / freshmean.
1 finding · 1 study
Quinoa, flour or mealRomán-Ochoa et al. 2021all samples of this type2019Basis not statedmean.
51 findings · 5 studies · 20 spread figures folded in
Quinoa, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodEURO2016–2023As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022all samples2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022all samples2021As sold / freshmean.Same samples: 1.98 µg/kg (minimum); 38.1 µg/kg (maximum); 4.32 µg/kg (percentile); 9.28 µg/kg (percentile)
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmean.Same samples: 4.13 µg/kg (minimum); 4.09 µg/kg (minimum); 5.31 µg/kg (minimum); 1.98 µg/kg (minimum); 9.88 µg/kg (maximum); 9.33 µg/kg (maximum); 15.9 µg/kg (maximum); 38.1 µg/kg (maximum); 4.28 µg/kg (percentile); 9.28 µg/kg (percentile); 4.64 µg/kg (percentile); 9.04 µg/kg (percentile); 7.65 µg/kg (percentile); 8.45 µg/kg (percentile); 4.1 µg/kg (percentile); 10.1 µg/kg (percentile)
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmean.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmean.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmean.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightnot detected.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightnot detected.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightnot detected.
Quinoa, as soldRomán-Ochoa et al. 2021all samples of this type2019Basis not statedmean.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Fully Cooked & Ready to Eat Quinoa (France)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Boliva, Peru and Ecuador)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia and/or Peru)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia/Peru)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia/Peru)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia/Peru)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa Flakes (Bolivia)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa Flour (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Rainbow Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Red Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Red Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Red Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Red Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Tri-Color Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Purple Carrot, Blackberry, Quinoa, Greek Yogurt (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Bolivia or Peru)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Sprouted Quinoa Trio (USA)2012Basis not statedsample value.
1 finding · 1 study
Quinoa, cookedFDA Total Diet Study1 collection regions2018–2020As sold / freshmedian.
1 finding · 1 study
Quinoa, flour or mealRomán-Ochoa et al. 2021all samples of this type2019Basis not statedmean.
35 findings · 3 studies · 1 spread figure folded in
Quinoa, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodEURO2017–2020As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2016As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldWHO GEMS/FoodPAHO2012–2015As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldConsumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability Center 2014all samples2014As sold / freshmean.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016all samples2012Basis not statedmean.Same samples: 0.3–49 µg/kg (range)
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Fully Cooked & Ready to Eat Quinoa (France)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Boliva, Peru and Ecuador)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia and/or Peru)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia/Peru)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia/Peru)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia/Peru)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa Flakes (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa Flour (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Rainbow Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Red Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Red Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Red Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Red Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Tri-Color Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Purple Carrot, Blackberry, Quinoa, Greek Yogurt (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Bolivia or Peru)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statedsample value.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Sprouted Quinoa Trio (USA)2012Basis not statednot detected.
30 findings · 1 study
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Fully Cooked & Ready to Eat Quinoa (France)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Boliva, Peru and Ecuador)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia and/or Peru)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia/Peru)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia/Peru)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia/Peru)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa Flakes (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa Flour (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Rainbow Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Red Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Red Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Red Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Red Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Tri-Color Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Purple Carrot, Blackberry, Quinoa, Greek Yogurt (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Bolivia or Peru)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Sprouted Quinoa Trio (USA)2012Basis not statednot detected.
30 findings · 1 study
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Fully Cooked & Ready to Eat Quinoa (France)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Boliva, Peru and Ecuador)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia and/or Peru)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia/Peru)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia/Peru)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Bolivia/Peru)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa Flakes (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Quinoa Flour (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Rainbow Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Red Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Red Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Red Quinoa (Bolivia)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Red Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Organic Tri-Color Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Purple Carrot, Blackberry, Quinoa, Greek Yogurt (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Bolivia or Peru)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Quinoa (Not Specified)2012Basis not statednot detected.
Quinoa, as soldU.S. Food and Drug Administration 2016Sprouted Quinoa Trio (USA)2012Basis not statednot detected.
20 findings · 3 studies · 20 spread figures folded in
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022all samples2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022all samples2021As sold / freshmean.Same samples: 0.24 µg/kg (minimum); 2.7 µg/kg (maximum); 0.48 µg/kg (percentile); 1.86 µg/kg (percentile)
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmedian.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmean.Same samples: 0.44 µg/kg (minimum); 0.81 µg/kg (minimum); 0.34 µg/kg (minimum); 0.24 µg/kg (minimum); 2.45 µg/kg (maximum); 2.7 µg/kg (maximum); 1.92 µg/kg (maximum); 0.99 µg/kg (maximum); 0.58 µg/kg (percentile); 2.13 µg/kg (percentile); 0.9 µg/kg (percentile); 2.05 µg/kg (percentile); 0.41 µg/kg (percentile); 0.49 µg/kg (percentile); 0.47 µg/kg (percentile); 0.61 µg/kg (percentile)
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmean.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmean.
Quinoa, as soldBielecka et al. 2022product subgroup2021As sold / freshmean.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightsample value.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightnot detected.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightnot detected.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightnot detected.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightnot detected.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightnot detected.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightnot detected.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightnot detected.
Quinoa, as soldHoulihan et al. 2025Quinoa2024–2025Dry weightnot detected.
Quinoa, as soldRomán-Ochoa et al. 2021all samples of this type2019Basis not statedmean.
1 finding · 1 study
Quinoa, cookedFDA Total Diet Study1 collection regions2018–2020As sold / freshmedian.
1 finding · 1 study
Quinoa, flour or mealRomán-Ochoa et al. 2021all samples of this type2019Basis not statedmean.
1 finding · 1 study
Quinoa, cookedFDA Total Diet Study1 collection regions2018–2020As sold / freshmedian.
1 finding · 1 study
Quinoa, cookedFDA Total Diet Study1 collection regions2018–2020As sold / freshmedian.
1 finding · 1 study
Quinoa, flour or mealRomán-Ochoa et al. 2021all samples of this type2019Basis not statedmean.
1 finding · 1 study
Quinoa, cookedFDA Total Diet Study1 collection regions2018–2020As sold / freshmedian.
2 findings · 1 study
Quinoa, as soldMattila et al. 2018commercial product, Finland (n = 1)Collection date unreportedDry weightmean.
Quinoa, as soldMattila et al. 2018commercial product, Finland (n = 1)Collection date unreportedDry weightmean.
2 findings · 1 study
Quinoa, as soldMattila et al. 2018commercial product, Finland (n = 1)Collection date unreportedDry weightmean.
Quinoa, as soldMattila et al. 2018commercial product, Finland (n = 1)Collection date unreportedDry weightmean.
2 findings · 1 study
Quinoa, as soldMattila et al. 2018commercial product, Finland (n = 1)Collection date unreportedDry weightmean.
Quinoa, as soldMattila et al. 2018commercial product, Finland (n = 1)Collection date unreportedDry weightmean.
2 findings · 1 study
Quinoa, as soldMattila et al. 2018commercial product, Finland (n = 1)Collection date unreportedDry weightmean.
Quinoa, as soldMattila et al. 2018commercial product, Finland (n = 1)Collection date unreportedDry weightmean.
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 quinoa Pb reference · Quinoa, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI quinoa Pb reference · Quinoa, as sold. Quinoa, 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≤12.543.8–54.5 (bounded)55.8–56.4 (bounded)
Alternative weighting≤12.543.8–54.5 (bounded)55.8–56.4 (bounded)

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
WHO GEMS/Food2350%
Bielecka et al. 2022450%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for quinoa, 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:quinoa-427b60dd81df:be2d03025c98

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 quinoa Pb reference · Quinoa, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI quinoa Pb reference · Quinoa, as sold, dry weight. Quinoa, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference22.43.6
Alternative weighting22.43.6

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Houlihan et al. 20259100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for quinoa, as sold on a dry 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

Houlihan et al. 2025 is the only compatible sampling family for quinoa, as sold on this basis in the completed quinoa 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:quinoa-0d7b003d2d6d:f99a4ff5048e

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 quinoa Pb reference · Quinoa, cooked

Reference and scope

HMI quinoa Pb reference · Quinoa, cooked. Quinoa, cooked; 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≤4≤411
Alternative weighting≤4≤411

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
FDA Total Diet Study3100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for quinoa, cooked 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 quinoa, cooked on this basis in the completed quinoa 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:quinoa-701c051a9bff:4c690f0d932f

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 quinoa Cd reference · Quinoa, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI quinoa Cd reference · Quinoa, as sold. Quinoa, 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 reference22.729–31.5 (bounded)44–45 (bounded)
Alternative weighting22.729–31.5 (bounded)44–46 (bounded)

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
WHO GEMS/Food1950%
Bielecka et al. 2022350%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for quinoa, 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:quinoa-9aa974736a4b:1dcec9165c05

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 quinoa Cd reference · Quinoa, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI quinoa Cd reference · Quinoa, as sold, dry weight. Quinoa, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference17.518.220.6
Alternative weighting17.518.220.6

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Houlihan et al. 20259100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for quinoa, as sold on a dry 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

Houlihan et al. 2025 is the only compatible sampling family for quinoa, as sold on this basis in the completed quinoa 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:quinoa-42751e63029c:3f811d2a788d

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 quinoa Cd reference · Quinoa, cooked

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference2.51219
Alternative weighting2.51219

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
FDA Total Diet Study3100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for quinoa, cooked 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 quinoa, cooked on this basis in the completed quinoa 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:quinoa-f30f606add76:0a43b0b99f76

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 quinoa tAs reference · Quinoa, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI quinoa tAs reference · Quinoa, as sold. Quinoa, 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≤7.967.46–9.33 (bounded)8.13–30 (bounded)
Alternative weighting≤7.967.46–9.33 (bounded)8.13–30 (bounded)

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
WHO GEMS/Food850%
Bielecka et al. 2022450%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for quinoa, 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:quinoa-b7a6c8491766:5e379ee6a247

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 quinoa tAs reference · Quinoa, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI quinoa tAs reference · Quinoa, as sold, dry weight. Quinoa, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤2.34.45.9
Alternative weighting≤2.34.45.9

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Houlihan et al. 20259100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for quinoa, as sold on a dry 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

Houlihan et al. 2025 is the only compatible sampling family for quinoa, as sold on this basis in the completed quinoa 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:quinoa-b5160ccf686e:0981f6b52ce7

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 quinoa tAs reference · Quinoa, cooked

Reference and scope

HMI quinoa tAs reference · Quinoa, cooked. Quinoa, cooked; 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≤310
Alternative weighting≤3≤310

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
FDA Total Diet Study3100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for quinoa, cooked 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 quinoa, cooked on this basis in the completed quinoa 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:quinoa-152692af41fe:afc73008e2dc

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 quinoa iAs reference · Quinoa, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI quinoa iAs reference · Quinoa, as sold. Quinoa, 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≤3.194.17–5.97 (bounded)6.81–20 (bounded)
Alternative weighting≤3.194.17–5.97 (bounded)6.81–20 (bounded)

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
WHO GEMS/Food6100%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for quinoa, as sold on this basis in the completed quinoa 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:quinoa-8c35ebadac71:e460821e628f

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 quinoa tHg reference · Quinoa, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference0.471.041.72
Alternative weighting0.471.041.72

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Bielecka et al. 20224100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for quinoa, 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

Bielecka et al. 2022 is the only compatible sampling family for quinoa, as sold on this basis in the completed quinoa 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:quinoa-cc6a875a5a6f:8e06250258c9

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 quinoa tHg reference · Quinoa, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI quinoa tHg reference · Quinoa, as sold, dry weight. Quinoa, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)Q1MedianQ3
Primary HMI reference≤0.5≤3.3≤3.4
Alternative weighting≤0.5≤3.3≤3.4

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
Houlihan et al. 20259100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for quinoa, as sold on a dry 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

Houlihan et al. 2025 is the only compatible sampling family for quinoa, as sold on this basis in the completed quinoa 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:quinoa-c29cb29054a4:96e56267f2c4

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 quinoa tHg reference · Quinoa, cooked

Reference and scope

HMI quinoa tHg reference · Quinoa, cooked. Quinoa, cooked; 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

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
FDA Total Diet Study3100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for quinoa, cooked 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 quinoa, cooked on this basis in the completed quinoa 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:quinoa-424ace1fb3ee:42e304000431

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 quinoa Ni reference · Quinoa, cooked

Reference and scope

HMI quinoa Ni reference · Quinoa, cooked. Quinoa, cooked; 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≤40140160
Alternative weighting≤40140160

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
FDA Total Diet Study3100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for quinoa, cooked 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 quinoa, cooked on this basis in the completed quinoa 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:quinoa-7a09d4b404f7:9edf337c8877

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 quinoa Cr reference · Quinoa, cooked

Reference and scope

HMI quinoa Cr reference · Quinoa, cooked. Quinoa, cooked; 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≤50300
Alternative weighting≤50≤50300

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
FDA Total Diet Study3100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for quinoa, cooked 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 quinoa, cooked on this basis in the completed quinoa 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:quinoa-ed4db05b995b:5c2a61a27d2f

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 quinoa U reference · Quinoa, cooked

Reference and scope

HMI quinoa U reference · Quinoa, cooked. Quinoa, cooked; 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

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

Contributing familyReference unitsWeight
FDA Total Diet Study3100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for quinoa, cooked 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 quinoa, cooked on this basis in the completed quinoa 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:quinoa-b85ef21a50a8:76097f683f9d

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 quinoa

No study in the library compared quinoa 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 quinoa, as sold pools 27 subgroup units from 2 sampling families, with a median of between 43.8 and 54.5 µg/kg and a middle half spanning below 12.5 (lower quartile) and between 55.8 and 56.4 µg/kg (upper quartile).1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →3Bielecka J, Markiewicz-Żukowska R, Puścion-Jakubik A, Grabia M, Nowakowski P, Soroczyńska J, Socha K · 2022Gluten-Free Cereals and Pseudocereals as a Potential Source of Exposure to Toxic Elements among Polish ResidentsNutrients 2022, 14, 2342Read source → For lead in quinoa, as sold, the reference median was 2.4 µg/kg, with a middle half from 2 to 3.6 µg/kg across 9 units.4Houlihan J, Naumoff K · 2025What’s in your family’s rice? Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead in Popular Rice Brands - Plus 9 Safer Grains to TryHealthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) reportRead source → For cadmium in quinoa, as sold, the reference median was between 29 and 31.5 µg/kg, with a middle half from 22.7 to between 44 and 45 µg/kg across 22 units.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →3Bielecka J, Markiewicz-Żukowska R, Puścion-Jakubik A, Grabia M, Nowakowski P, Soroczyńska J, Socha K · 2022Gluten-Free Cereals and Pseudocereals as a Potential Source of Exposure to Toxic Elements among Polish ResidentsNutrients 2022, 14, 2342Read source →

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, quinoa, as sold had the lowest cadmium subgroup median in PAHO (29 µg/kg) and the highest in PAHO (46 µg/kg); reporting regions are markets, not growing areas.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source → For inorganic arsenic, the lowest regional median was in PAHO (2 µg/kg) and the highest in PAHO (6.81 µg/kg).1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →

In one study, total arsenic across 30 groups of quinoa ranged from 4 µg/kg (Organic Quinoa (Bolivia and/or Peru)) to 63 µg/kg (Organic Quinoa (Bolivia/Peru)); the lowest is the lowest observed in that study, not an established sourcing preference.8U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2016Analytical Results from Inorganic Arsenic in Rice Cereals for Infants, Non-Rice Infant Cereal and Other Foods Commonly Eaten by Infants and ToddlersU.S. Food and Drug AdministrationRead source →

Processing, cooking and preparation

Processed or prepared forms were compared only with unprocessed quinoa in the same study and group. Quinoa, flour or meal (all samples of this type) had lead higher at 550 µg/kg, against 40 µg/kg for the unprocessed form in the same group (quinoa, as sold).5Román-Ochoa Y, Choque Delgado GT, Tejada TR, Yucra HR, Durand AE, Hamaker BR · 2021Heavy metal contamination and health risk assessment in grains and grain-based processed food in Arequipa region of PeruChemosphereRead source →

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

Mitigation for quinoa

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

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

Trade-offs and limits of controls

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

Testing quinoa for metals

Results depend on the method and its reporting limit. Reporting limits for lead ranged from 0.9 µg/kg (Houlihan et al. 2025) to 128 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 →4Houlihan J, Naumoff K · 2025What’s in your family’s rice? Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead in Popular Rice Brands - Plus 9 Safer Grains to TryHealthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) reportRead source → Reporting limits for cadmium ranged from 1 µg/kg (FDA Total Diet Study) to 132 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 1.6 µg/kg (Houlihan et al. 2025) to 400 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 →4Houlihan J, Naumoff K · 2025What’s in your family’s rice? Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead in Popular Rice Brands - Plus 9 Safer Grains to TryHealthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) reportRead source →

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

Buying and verifying quinoa

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

Exposure from quinoa

No source in the library converted quinoa 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 quinoa was decided on its content: 10 occurrence extracted, 10 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.

Quinoa FAQs

What heavy metals are found in quinoa?

The library reports lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, dimethylarsinic acid, monomethylarsonic acid, total mercury, nickel, chromium, tin, uranium, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in quinoa, 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 →3Bielecka J, Markiewicz-Żukowska R, Puścion-Jakubik A, Grabia M, Nowakowski P, Soroczyńska J, Socha K · 2022Gluten-Free Cereals and Pseudocereals as a Potential Source of Exposure to Toxic Elements among Polish ResidentsNutrients 2022, 14, 2342Read source →4Houlihan J, Naumoff K · 2025What’s in your family’s rice? Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead in Popular Rice Brands - Plus 9 Safer Grains to TryHealthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) reportRead source → WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in quinoa, as sold from 442 results in 2 reporting regions, with a subgroup median of 15 µg/kg.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →

Which regions report the lowest levels in quinoa?

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, quinoa, as sold had the lowest cadmium subgroup median in PAHO (29 µg/kg) and the highest in PAHO (46 µg/kg); reporting regions are markets, not growing areas.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source → For inorganic arsenic, the lowest regional median was in PAHO (2 µg/kg) and the highest in PAHO (6.81 µg/kg).1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →

Does processing change heavy metals in quinoa?

Only comparisons between forms in the same study are available, not before-and-after measurements of the same quinoa.5Román-Ochoa Y, Choque Delgado GT, Tejada TR, Yucra HR, Durand AE, Hamaker BR · 2021Heavy metal contamination and health risk assessment in grains and grain-based processed food in Arequipa region of PeruChemosphereRead source → Quinoa, flour or meal (all samples of this type) had lead higher at 550 µg/kg, against 40 µg/kg for the unprocessed form in the same group (quinoa, as sold).5Román-Ochoa Y, Choque Delgado GT, Tejada TR, Yucra HR, Durand AE, Hamaker BR · 2021Heavy metal contamination and health risk assessment in grains and grain-based processed food in Arequipa region of PeruChemosphereRead source →

How much of the arsenic in quinoa is inorganic?

Inorganic arsenic, the more toxic form, was measured in 36 results from 3 sources, far fewer than total arsenic.1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →9Consumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability Center · 2014Analysis of Arsenic in Rice and Other GrainsConsumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability CenterRead source →8U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2016Analytical Results from Inorganic Arsenic in Rice Cereals for Infants, Non-Rice Infant Cereal and Other Foods Commonly Eaten by Infants and ToddlersU.S. Food and Drug AdministrationRead source → Consumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability Center 2014 reported inorganic arsenic at 12.5 µg/kg (mean) in quinoa, as sold from all samples.9Consumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability Center · 2014Analysis of Arsenic in Rice and Other GrainsConsumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability CenterRead 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. Gluten-Free Cereals and Pseudocereals as a Potential Source of Exposure to Toxic Elements among Polish ResidentsBielecka J, Markiewicz-Żukowska R, Puścion-Jakubik A, Grabia M, Nowakowski P, Soroczyńska J, et al. · Nutrients 2022, 14, 2342 · 2022 · doi.org/10.3390/nu14112342Peer-reviewed
  4. What’s in your family’s rice? Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead in Popular Rice Brands - Plus 9 Safer Grains to TryHoulihan J and Naumoff K · Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) report · 2025Government
  5. Heavy metal contamination and health risk assessment in grains and grain-based processed food in Arequipa region of PeruRomán-Ochoa Y, Choque Delgado GT, Tejada TR, Yucra HR, Durand AE, and Hamaker BR · Chemosphere · 2021 · doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129792Peer-reviewed
  6. Baby Foods Are Tainted with Dangerous Levels of Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, and MercuryU.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Reform, Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy · Staff Report · 2021 · oversight.house.govGray literature
  7. 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
  8. Analytical Results from Inorganic Arsenic in Rice Cereals for Infants, Non-Rice Infant Cereal and Other Foods Commonly Eaten by Infants and ToddlersU.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2016 · www.fda.govDataset
  9. Analysis of Arsenic in Rice and Other GrainsConsumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability Center · 2014 · doi.org/10.1201/b16767-165Industry

Sources

Browse Quinoa 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 quinoa record in the library: 10 occurrence sources, references by form and basis, same-study contrasts.

No related ingredient links are listed for this page.

Referenced by

Graph View