Heavy metals in Strawberries

Quick read

Strawberries in the HMI library has 225 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Zn, arsenic (As) and Ba from 20 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 →}^{3Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{4Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}^{5Lee J, Hwang I, Park YS, Lee DY · 2023Occurrence and health risk assessment of antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and lead in fresh fruits consumed in South KoreaApplied Biological ChemistryRead source →}^{6Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, Font G, Yusà V · 2018Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670Read source →}

Metals measured:
Lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury and nickel and others, in 225 results from 20 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 →}^{3Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{4Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}
Main drivers:
Strawberries, as sold from frozen product, Poland retail/official control had lead higher at 11 µg/kg, against 9 µg/kg for fresh product, Poland retail/official control in the same study.^{7Rusin M, Domagalska J, Rogala D, Razzaghi M, Szymala I · 2021Concentration of cadmium and lead in vegetables and fruitsScientific ReportsRead source →}
Practical framing:
Ask for lot results with a quantification limit well below the limit that applies in the destination market.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{4Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}

Strawberries overview

Strawberries in the HMI library has 225 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Zn, As and Ba from 20 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 →}^{3Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{4Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}^{5Lee J, Hwang I, Park YS, Lee DY · 2023Occurrence and health risk assessment of antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and lead in fresh fruits consumed in South KoreaApplied Biological ChemistryRead source →}^{6Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, Font G, Yusà V · 2018Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670Read source →} WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in strawberries, as sold from 2,335 results in 4 reporting regions, with subgroup medians from 2.3 to 1,120 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, strawberries, frozen had a median lead result below 4 µg/kg across 27 composites from 2017–2020.^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}

Across 7 other studies of ordinary farms and markets, reported lead means and medians on an as-sold or fresh-weight basis ranged from 3.1 µg/kg (Marín et al. 2018) to 400 µg/kg (Guerra et al. 2012).^{4Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}^{6Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, Font G, Yusà V · 2018Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670Read source →} For cadmium, 6 studies on an as-sold or fresh-weight basis reported means and medians from 2.4 µg/kg (Norton et al. 2015) to 40 µg/kg (Sembratowicz et al. 2010).^{8Norton GJ, Deacon CM, Mestrot A, Feldmann J, Jenkins P, Baskaran C, Meharg AA · 2015Cadmium and lead in vegetable and fruit produce selected from specific regional areas of the UKThe Science of the Total Environment 533, 520-527 (2015); accepted author manuscriptRead source →}^{9Sembratowicz I, Rusinek E, Ognik K · 2010Contents of Nitrates (III) and (V), Lead and Cadmium in Select Domestic FruitsPolish Journal of Environmental StudiesRead source →} Higher results came from contaminated or exposed settings rather than ordinary supply. Strawberries, as sold from frozen product, Poland retail/official control had lead higher at 11 µg/kg, against 9 µg/kg for fresh product, Poland retail/official control in the same study.^{7Rusin M, Domagalska J, Rogala D, Razzaghi M, Szymala I · 2021Concentration of cadmium and lead in vegetables and fruitsScientific ReportsRead source →}

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

What counts as strawberries

This page covers strawberries in 5 forms kept separate in every comparison: strawberries, as sold (213 results), strawberries, frozen (8 results), strawberries, juice (2 results), strawberries, canned (1 result) and strawberries, dried (1 result).^{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 →}^{3Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{4Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}^{5Lee J, Hwang I, Park YS, Lee DY · 2023Occurrence and health risk assessment of antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and lead in fresh fruits consumed in South KoreaApplied Biological ChemistryRead source →}^{6Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, Font G, Yusà V · 2018Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670Read 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 strawberries

The table holds every extracted strawberries result: one row for each statistic a source reports for a form, group and metal, 225 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 →}^{3Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{4Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}^{5Lee J, Hwang I, Park YS, Lee DY · 2023Occurrence and health risk assessment of antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and lead in fresh fruits consumed in South KoreaApplied Biological ChemistryRead source →}^{6Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, Font G, Yusà V · 2018Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670Read 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 →}

55 rows can be rated against an HMI reference for the same form and basis, 14 rows have a direct same-study comparison, and the rest stay unrated with the reason recorded. 3 values from 2 sources failed a check against their own source and are shown but not compared.^{10Cherfi A, Abdoun S, Gaci O · 2014Food survey: Levels and potential health risks of chromium, lead, zinc and copper content in fruits and vegetables consumed in AlgeriaFood and Chemical ToxicologyRead source →}^{11Elbagermi MA, Edwards HGM, Alajtal AI · 2012Monitoring of Heavy Metal Content in Fruits and Vegetables Collected from Production and Market Sites in the Misurata Area of LibyaISRN Analytical ChemistryRead source →}

Comparison methods and scope

Each row is one statistic a source reports for one form of strawberries, 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.

Filter findings

AnalyteFood formCollection regionCollection periodSourceCompare withComparable findings only

196 of 196 findings · 16 analytes

About this table

Food formCollection scopeFindingComparisonEvidence

Strawberries findings from monitoring programmes, total diet studies and every extracted field, market and contaminated-site study, in µg/kg with each source’s form, basis, statistic and censoring retained.
Food form	Collection scope	Finding (µg/kg)

66 findings · 14 studies · 6 spread figures folded in
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2016	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2005	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2017	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2020	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2010	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2000	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2017	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2016	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2014–2016	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2019	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2014	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2009–2013	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013–2014	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2010	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2000–2017	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2003–2016	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2016	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	SEARO2014	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	SEARO2015	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2012	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2001–2014	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2001–2008	median.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021	not detected.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021	not detected.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with tap water2021	mean.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021	not detected.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021	not detected.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with tap water2021	mean.
Strawberries, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009	mean.
Strawberries, as soldLee et al. 2023	all samples2019	mean.
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.Same samples: 2 µg/kg (minimum); 8 µg/kg (maximum)
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.
Strawberries, as soldNorton et al. 2015	NE Britain (Aberdeenshire) basket surveyCollection date unreported	median.
Strawberries, as soldNorton et al. 2015	NE Britain (Aberdeenshire) basket surveyCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 13 µg/kg (maximum)
Strawberries, as soldNorton et al. 2015	NE Britain (Aberdeenshire) basket surveyCollection date unreported	min.
Strawberries, as soldNorton et al. 2015	NE Britain (Aberdeenshire) basket surveyCollection date unreported	max.
Strawberries, as soldNorton et al. 2015	SW Britain (Devon and Cornwall) basket surveyCollection date unreported	median.
Strawberries, as soldNorton et al. 2015	SW Britain (Devon and Cornwall) basket surveyCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 529 µg/kg (maximum)
Strawberries, as soldNorton et al. 2015	SW Britain (Devon and Cornwall) basket surveyCollection date unreported	min.
Strawberries, as soldNorton et al. 2015	SW Britain (Devon and Cornwall) basket surveyCollection date unreported	max.
Strawberries, as soldRusin et al. 2021	fresh product, Poland retail/official controlCollection date unreported	mean.
Strawberries, as soldRusin et al. 2021	frozen product, Poland retail/official controlCollection date unreported	mean.
Strawberries, as soldRusin et al. 2021	processed product, Poland retail/official controlCollection date unreported	mean.
Strawberries, as soldSembratowicz et al. 2010	allotment gardens in Lublin city centre2007	median.
Strawberries, as soldSembratowicz et al. 2010	allotment gardens in Lublin city centre2007	mean.
Strawberries, as soldSembratowicz et al. 2010	allotment gardens in Lublin surroundings (15-20 km out)2007	median.
Strawberries, as soldSembratowicz et al. 2010	allotment gardens in Lublin surroundings (15-20 km out)2007	mean.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2015–2017Dry weight	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2014Dry weight	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	SEARO2016Dry weight	median.
Strawberries, as soldAl 2010	Fruits, Riyadh city markets, May 20092009Dry weight	mean.
Strawberries, as soldCherfi et al. 2014	Boumerdes wholesale markets2012Dry weight	mean.
Strawberries, as soldElbagermi et al. 2012	all samples2010Dry weight	mean.
Strawberries, as soldRusin et al. 2021	dried product, Poland retail/official controlCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Strawberries, as soldSembratowicz et al. 2010	allotment gardens in Lublin city centre2007Dry weight	mean.
Strawberries, as soldSembratowicz et al. 2010	allotment gardens in Lublin surroundings (15-20 km out)2007Dry weight	mean.
Strawberries, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	median.
Strawberries, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	mean.Same samples: 6.9 µg/kg (minimum); 10.5 µg/kg (maximum)
Strawberries, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	min.
Strawberries, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	max.
Strawberries, as soldU.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Reform, Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy 2021	US baby-food manufacturer A2016–2019Basis not stated	not detected.
Strawberries, as soldZhang et al. 2021	single marketed sample, Shandong2019Basis not stated	not detected.
1 finding · 1 study
Strawberries, frozenFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
1 finding · 1 study
Strawberries, juiceWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2012	median.
1 finding · 1 study
Strawberries, cannedAl 2010	Fruits, Riyadh city markets, May 20092009Dry weight	mean.
1 finding · 1 study
Strawberries, driedWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2018	median.

46 findings · 12 studies · 6 spread figures folded in
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EMRO2016–2019	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2004–2016	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2017	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2020	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2010	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2000–2006	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2017	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2016	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2019	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2003–2017	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO1999–2018	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005–2014	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2001–2008	median.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021	not detected.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021	not detected.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with tap water2021	not detected.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021	not detected.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021	not detected.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with tap water2021	mean.
Strawberries, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009	mean.
Strawberries, as soldLee et al. 2023	all samples2019	mean.
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.Same samples: 1.4 µg/kg (minimum); 4.2 µg/kg (maximum)
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.
Strawberries, as soldNorton et al. 2015	NE Britain (Aberdeenshire) basket surveyCollection date unreported	median.
Strawberries, as soldNorton et al. 2015	NE Britain (Aberdeenshire) basket surveyCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 6.2 µg/kg (maximum)
Strawberries, as soldNorton et al. 2015	NE Britain (Aberdeenshire) basket surveyCollection date unreported	min.
Strawberries, as soldNorton et al. 2015	NE Britain (Aberdeenshire) basket surveyCollection date unreported	max.
Strawberries, as soldNorton et al. 2015	SW Britain (Devon and Cornwall) basket surveyCollection date unreported	median.
Strawberries, as soldNorton et al. 2015	SW Britain (Devon and Cornwall) basket surveyCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 17.2 µg/kg (maximum)
Strawberries, as soldNorton et al. 2015	SW Britain (Devon and Cornwall) basket surveyCollection date unreported	min.
Strawberries, as soldNorton et al. 2015	SW Britain (Devon and Cornwall) basket surveyCollection date unreported	max.
Strawberries, as soldRusin et al. 2021	fresh product, Poland retail/official controlCollection date unreported	mean.
Strawberries, as soldRusin et al. 2021	frozen product, Poland retail/official controlCollection date unreported	mean.
Strawberries, as soldRusin et al. 2021	processed product, Poland retail/official controlCollection date unreported	mean.
Strawberries, as soldSembratowicz et al. 2010	allotment gardens in Lublin city centre2007	median.
Strawberries, as soldSembratowicz et al. 2010	allotment gardens in Lublin city centre2007	mean.
Strawberries, as soldSembratowicz et al. 2010	allotment gardens in Lublin surroundings (15-20 km out)2007	median.
Strawberries, as soldSembratowicz et al. 2010	allotment gardens in Lublin surroundings (15-20 km out)2007	mean.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2015–2019Dry weight	median.
Strawberries, as soldElbagermi et al. 2012	all samples2010Dry weight	mean.
Strawberries, as soldRusin et al. 2021	dried product, Poland retail/official controlCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Strawberries, as soldSembratowicz et al. 2010	allotment gardens in Lublin city centre2007Dry weight	mean.
Strawberries, as soldSembratowicz et al. 2010	allotment gardens in Lublin surroundings (15-20 km out)2007Dry weight	mean.
Strawberries, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	median.
Strawberries, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	mean.Same samples: 11 µg/kg (minimum); 22.7 µg/kg (maximum)
Strawberries, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	min.
Strawberries, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	max.
Strawberries, as soldJoint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives 2022	GEMS/Food contaminants database2011Basis not stated	mean.
Strawberries, as soldZealand 2019	national/regional composite samples, Australia2013–2014Basis not stated	mean.
1 finding · 1 study
Strawberries, frozenFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
1 finding · 1 study
Strawberries, juiceWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2014	median.

8 findings · 3 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2015–2023	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2004–2023	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2000–2022	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2022	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2004–2014	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2001–2008	median.
Strawberries, as soldLee et al. 2023	all samples2019	mean.
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.Same samples: 2.7 µg/kg (minimum); 8.5 µg/kg (maximum)
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.
2 findings · 2 studies
Strawberries, frozenFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.
Strawberries, frozenMania et al. 2021	single sample2015	max.

10 findings · 2 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2010	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2011	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2011–2013	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2012	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2012	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2011–2013	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2014	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2022	median.
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.Same samples: 0.2 µg/kg (minimum); 5.8 µg/kg (maximum)
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2010Dry weight	median.

9 findings · 3 studies
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2012–2016	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2004–2019	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2000–2001	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2010–2017	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2004–2014	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2001–2008	median.
Strawberries, as soldDabeka et al. 2003	Ottawa composite (retail Oct-Nov 2000)1998–2000	sample value.
Strawberries, as soldDabeka et al. 2003	Whitehorse composite (retail Jan-Feb 1998)1998–2000	sample value.
Strawberries, as soldZhang et al. 2021	single marketed sample, Shandong2019Basis not stated	not detected.
1 finding · 1 study
Strawberries, frozenFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.

5 findings · 5 studies
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2000	median.
Strawberries, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009	mean.
Strawberries, as soldLee et al. 2023	all samples2019	mean.
Strawberries, as soldElbagermi et al. 2012	all samples2010Dry weight	mean.
Strawberries, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	Montreal composite1986–1988Basis not stated	sample value.
1 finding · 1 study
Strawberries, frozenFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.

13 findings · 6 studies · 9 spread figures folded in
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2000	median.
Strawberries, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009	mean.
Strawberries, as soldLee et al. 2023	all samples2019	mean.
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.Same samples: 6.2 µg/kg (minimum); 36.6 µg/kg (maximum)
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.
Strawberries, as soldReczajska et al. 2005	all samples (three Polish agricultural areas)2001	median.
Strawberries, as soldReczajska et al. 2005	all samples (three Polish agricultural areas)2001	mean.Same samples: 56 µg/kg (percentile)
Strawberries, as soldReczajska et al. 2005	all samples (three Polish agricultural areas)2001	percentile.
Strawberries, as soldReczajska et al. 2005	Kujawsko-Pomorskie province2001	median.
Strawberries, as soldReczajska et al. 2005	Kujawsko-Pomorskie province2001	mean.Same samples: 32–61 µg/kg (range); 58 µg/kg (percentile)
Strawberries, as soldReczajska et al. 2005	Kujawsko-Pomorskie province2001	range.
Strawberries, as soldReczajska et al. 2005	Kujawsko-Pomorskie province2001	percentile.
Strawberries, as soldReczajska et al. 2005	Lubelskie province2001	median.
Strawberries, as soldReczajska et al. 2005	Lubelskie province2001	mean.Same samples: 6–41 µg/kg (range); 35 µg/kg (percentile)
Strawberries, as soldReczajska et al. 2005	Lubelskie province2001	range.
Strawberries, as soldReczajska et al. 2005	Lubelskie province2001	percentile.
Strawberries, as soldReczajska et al. 2005	Mazowieckie province2001	median.
Strawberries, as soldReczajska et al. 2005	Mazowieckie province2001	mean.Same samples: 15–134 µg/kg (range); 61 µg/kg (percentile)
Strawberries, as soldReczajska et al. 2005	Mazowieckie province2001	range.
Strawberries, as soldReczajska et al. 2005	Mazowieckie province2001	percentile.
Strawberries, as soldCherfi et al. 2014	Boumerdes wholesale markets2012Dry weight	mean.
1 finding · 1 study
Strawberries, frozenFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.

2 findings · 1 study
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2000	median.

3 findings · 2 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
Strawberries, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005	median.
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.Same samples: 0.5 µg/kg (minimum); 116 µg/kg (maximum)
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.

1 finding · 1 study
Strawberries, as soldLee et al. 2023	all samples2019	mean.

1 finding · 1 study
Strawberries, frozenFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020	median.

3 findings · 3 studies
Strawberries, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009	mean.
Strawberries, as soldElbagermi et al. 2012	all samples2010Dry weight	mean.
Strawberries, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	Montreal composite1986–1988Basis not stated	sample value.

3 findings · 3 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	mean.Same samples: 175 µg/kg (minimum); 303 µg/kg (maximum)
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	min.
Strawberries, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-20112010–2011	max.
Strawberries, as soldCherfi et al. 2014	Boumerdes wholesale markets2012Dry weight	mean.
Strawberries, as soldElbagermi et al. 2012	all samples2010Dry weight	mean.

8 findings · 3 studies
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021	mean.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021	mean.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with tap water2021	mean.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021	mean.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021	mean.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with tap water2021	mean.
Strawberries, as soldCherfi et al. 2014	Boumerdes wholesale markets2012Dry weight	mean.
Strawberries, as soldElbagermi et al. 2012	all samples2010Dry weight	mean.

6 findings · 1 study
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021	mean.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021	mean.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with tap water2021	mean.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021	mean.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021	mean.
Strawberries, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with tap water2021	mean.

1 finding · 1 study
Strawberries, as soldLee et al. 2023	all samples2019	mean.

Shared dataset methods and interpretation

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

HMI strawberries Pb reference · Strawberries, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤5.5	135–155 (bounded)	275
Alternative weighting	≤7.5	135–155 (bounded)	275

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	107	50%
Sembratowicz et al. 2010	2	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, 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:strawberries-1228d781e99e:f8be4fd26b46

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 strawberries Pb reference · Strawberries, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	544	1090	1200
Alternative weighting	544	1090	1200

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	4	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, 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

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

Admitted source families

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:strawberries-2dcad20c352d:9a9b4ed5d7f4

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 strawberries Pb reference · Strawberries, frozen

Reference and scope

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

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

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	27	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, frozen 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 strawberries, frozen on this basis in the completed strawberries ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

FDA Total Diet Study

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:strawberries-4598e1832e27:fab2aa7ba3cf

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 strawberries Pb reference · Strawberries, juice

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤2	≤2	≤2
Alternative weighting	≤2	≤2	≤2

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

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

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, juice 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 strawberries, juice on this basis in the completed strawberries ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:strawberries-813e7d1b5d2b:35e479654225

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 strawberries Pb reference · Strawberries, dried

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	10	10	10
Alternative weighting	10	10	10

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

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

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, dried 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 strawberries, dried on this basis in the completed strawberries ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:strawberries-f3a6c68848e6:a044c4633d68

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 strawberries Cd reference · Strawberries, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	3–8.71 (bounded)	10	40
Alternative weighting	7.24–9 (bounded)	10	40

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	81	50%
Sembratowicz et al. 2010	2	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, 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:strawberries-ee742859bb51:8848ffb0b8a8

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 strawberries Cd reference · Strawberries, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	20	30	100
Alternative weighting	20	30	100

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	5	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, 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

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

Admitted source families

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:strawberries-b099919a42de:016f8211ffc5

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 strawberries Cd reference · Strawberries, frozen

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	3.7	8.5	13
Alternative weighting	3.7	7.6	13

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	27	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, frozen 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 strawberries, frozen on this basis in the completed strawberries ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

FDA Total Diet Study

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:strawberries-c532d6239e14:1f6707d0e824

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 strawberries Cd reference · Strawberries, juice

Reference and scope

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

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

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

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

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, juice 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 strawberries, juice on this basis in the completed strawberries ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:strawberries-33b5a0f24689:686a34ad68e8

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 strawberries tAs reference · Strawberries, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤5	≤11.3	1.82–25.4 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤4.6	≤10.6	1.65–20.7 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	36	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, 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 strawberries, as sold on this basis in the completed strawberries ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:strawberries-81826d48ccc2:633e7bee752c

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 strawberries tAs reference · Strawberries, frozen

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤3	3.3	5.4
Alternative weighting	≤3	3.3	5.4

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	27	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, frozen 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 strawberries, frozen on this basis in the completed strawberries ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

FDA Total Diet Study

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:strawberries-8a15b0b3886a:3be7fdf091dc

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 strawberries iAs reference · Strawberries, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	2.77–3.68 (bounded)	4.56–9.16 (bounded)	13.5–15.3 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	2.77–4.26 (bounded)	4.56–12.3 (bounded)	13.5–20 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	11	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, 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 strawberries, as sold on this basis in the completed strawberries ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:strawberries-6b23fb77b5ee:7c56cf47ddf0

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 strawberries iAs reference · Strawberries, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI strawberries iAs reference · Strawberries, as sold, dry weight. Strawberries, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	32	32	32
Alternative weighting	32	32	32

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

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

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, 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

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

Admitted source families

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:strawberries-d46ca5d350ea:781d21a3bc54

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 strawberries tHg reference · Strawberries, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤0.0905	0.081–0.12 (bounded)	0.12–1.8 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤0.0905	0.081–0.12 (bounded)	0.12–1.5 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	26	50%
Dabeka et al. 2003	2	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, 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:strawberries-53ec6a884eeb:876d8faa758b

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 strawberries tHg reference · Strawberries, frozen

Reference and scope

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

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

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	27	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, frozen 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 strawberries, frozen on this basis in the completed strawberries ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

FDA Total Diet Study

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:strawberries-ad2149722f6b:9a17aac65042

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 strawberries Ni reference · Strawberries, frozen

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤40	≤40	52
Alternative weighting	≤40	≤40	52

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	27	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, frozen 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 strawberries, frozen on this basis in the completed strawberries ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

FDA Total Diet Study

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:strawberries-6d19db5bb092:f8caaa0a27d2

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 strawberries Cr reference · Strawberries, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	17	25	50
Alternative weighting	17	25	50

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Reczajska et al. 2005	3	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, 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

Reczajska et al. 2005 is the only compatible sampling family for strawberries, as sold on this basis in the completed strawberries 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

Reczajska et al. 2005

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:strawberries-89232c22b94d:17ccb3ec5ab9

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 strawberries Cr reference · Strawberries, frozen

Reference and scope

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

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

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	27	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, frozen 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 strawberries, frozen on this basis in the completed strawberries ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

FDA Total Diet Study

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:strawberries-6150b6d01198:d7ba982d97d6

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 strawberries Al reference · Strawberries, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	686	1180	1670
Alternative weighting	686	1180	1670

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

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

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, 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 strawberries, as sold on this basis in the completed strawberries ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:strawberries-f904f87588f3:bbc0e6d90afb

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 strawberries Sn reference · Strawberries, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤1.5	9.87	100–130 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤1.5	9.87	100–130 (bounded)

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

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

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, 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 strawberries, as sold on this basis in the completed strawberries ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:strawberries-8ae0253b650e:98c9c0b40b27

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 strawberries U reference · Strawberries, frozen

Reference and scope

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

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

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	27	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for strawberries, frozen 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 strawberries, frozen on this basis in the completed strawberries ledger, so this single-family reference cannot represent other markets. Reporting regions and purchase markets are not growing areas. Non-detects with differing limits widen the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

FDA Total Diet Study

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:strawberries-bf34758536de:26e716ad9692

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

How metals reach strawberries

The evidence on how metals reach strawberries comes from studies that compared exposed and ordinary settings. Strawberries, as sold from frozen product, Poland retail/official control had lead higher at 11 µg/kg, against 9 µg/kg for fresh product, Poland retail/official control in the same study.^{7Rusin M, Domagalska J, Rogala D, Razzaghi M, Szymala I · 2021Concentration of cadmium and lead in vegetables and fruitsScientific ReportsRead source →}

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

Which forms and regions measured lower

For cadmium, the HMI reference median was lowest for strawberries, frozen (8.5 µg/kg) and highest for strawberries, as sold (30 µg/kg); forms differ in water content, so this compares foods as sold or eaten, not uptake.^{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 →} The HMI reference for lead in strawberries, as sold pools 109 subgroup units from 2 sampling families, with a median of between 135 and 155 µg/kg and a middle half spanning below 5.5 (lower quartile) and 275 µg/kg (upper quartile).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{9Sembratowicz I, Rusinek E, Ognik K · 2010Contents of Nitrates (III) and (V), Lead and Cadmium in Select Domestic FruitsPolish Journal of Environmental StudiesRead source →} For lead in strawberries, frozen, the reference median was below 4 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 4 to below 4 µg/kg across 27 units.^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →} For lead in strawberries, as sold, the reference median was 1,090 µg/kg, with a middle half from 544 to 1,200 µg/kg across 4 units.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, strawberries, as sold had the lowest lead subgroup median in PAHO (2.3 µg/kg) and the highest in EURO (1,120 µg/kg); reporting regions are markets, not growing areas.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} For cadmium, the lowest regional median was in PAHO (7 µg/kg) and the highest in EURO (50 µg/kg).^{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 (3.23 µg/kg) and the highest in EURO (32 µg/kg).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

Targeted strawberries, as sold samples in EURO had aluminium lower at 516 µg/kg, against 905 µg/kg for EURO in the same study.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

In one study, Zn across 4 groups of strawberries ranged from 1,060 µg/kg (vegetable and fruit market; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar) to 1,360 µg/kg (amateur farmers; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar); the lowest is the lowest observed in that study, not an established sourcing preference.^{3Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}

Processing, cooking and preparation

Processed or prepared forms were compared only with unprocessed strawberries in the same study and group. Strawberries, canned (Fruits, Riyadh city markets, May 2009) had lead higher at 30 µg/kg, against 17 µg/kg for the unprocessed form in the same group (strawberries, as sold).^{12Al Othman ZA · 2010Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily IntakeMolecules 2010, 15, 7482-7497Read source →} In another study, strawberries, juice (PAHO) had cadmium lower at 3 µg/kg, against 16 µg/kg for the unprocessed form in the same group (strawberries, as sold).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

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

Mitigation for strawberries

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

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

Trade-offs and limits of controls

Avoiding exposed growing areas lowered the metal measured in the studies available, but no study measured the cost or supply effect of doing so.^{7Rusin M, Domagalska J, Rogala D, Razzaghi M, Szymala I · 2021Concentration of cadmium and lead in vegetables and fruitsScientific ReportsRead source →} Metals do not move together, so a lot that passes a lead limit says little about cadmium, arsenic or nickel unless those are tested as well.

Testing strawberries for metals

Results depend on the method and its reporting limit. Reporting limits for lead ranged from 1 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 3,000 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food), so a non-detect from a less sensitive method says much less.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} Reporting limits for cadmium ranged from 1 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 78.5 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 →} Reporting limits for total arsenic ranged from 2.14 µg/kg (Lee et al. 2023) to 1,010 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 →}^{5Lee J, Hwang I, Park YS, Lee DY · 2023Occurrence and health risk assessment of antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and lead in fresh fruits consumed in South KoreaApplied Biological ChemistryRead source →}

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

Buying and verifying strawberries

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

Exposure from strawberries

No source in the library converted strawberries 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 strawberries was decided on its content: 20 occurrence extracted, 20 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.

Strawberries FAQs

What heavy metals are found in strawberries?

The library reports lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Zn, As and Ba in strawberries, 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 →}^{3Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{4Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →} WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in strawberries, as sold from 2,335 results in 4 reporting regions, with subgroup medians from 2.3 to 1,120 µg/kg.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

How do heavy metals get into strawberries?

In the studies available, strawberries from contaminated or exposed settings carried more metal than strawberries from the same study’s control.^{7Rusin M, Domagalska J, Rogala D, Razzaghi M, Szymala I · 2021Concentration of cadmium and lead in vegetables and fruitsScientific ReportsRead source →} Strawberries, as sold from frozen product, Poland retail/official control had lead higher at 11 µg/kg, against 9 µg/kg for fresh product, Poland retail/official control in the same study.^{7Rusin M, Domagalska J, Rogala D, Razzaghi M, Szymala I · 2021Concentration of cadmium and lead in vegetables and fruitsScientific ReportsRead source →}

Which types of strawberries have the lowest levels?

For cadmium, the HMI reference median was lowest for strawberries, frozen (8.5 µg/kg) and highest for strawberries, as sold (30 µg/kg); forms differ in water content, so this compares foods as sold or eaten, not uptake.^{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 →}

Which regions report the lowest levels in strawberries?

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, strawberries, as sold had the lowest lead subgroup median in PAHO (2.3 µg/kg) and the highest in EURO (1,120 µg/kg); reporting regions are markets, not growing areas.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} For cadmium, the lowest regional median was in PAHO (7 µg/kg) and the highest in EURO (50 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 strawberries?

Only comparisons between forms in the same study are available, not before-and-after measurements of the same strawberries.^{12Al Othman ZA · 2010Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily IntakeMolecules 2010, 15, 7482-7497Read source →} Strawberries, canned (Fruits, Riyadh city markets, May 2009) had lead higher at 30 µg/kg, against 17 µg/kg for the unprocessed form in the same group (strawberries, as sold).^{12Al Othman ZA · 2010Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily IntakeMolecules 2010, 15, 7482-7497Read source →}

How much of the arsenic in strawberries is inorganic?

Inorganic arsenic, the more toxic form, was measured in 12 results from 2 sources, far fewer than total arsenic.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{6Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, Font G, Yusà V · 2018Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670Read source →} Marín et al. 2018 reported inorganic arsenic at 2.8 µg/kg (mean) in strawberries, as sold from Vegetables and fruits group, Region of Valencia TDS 2010-2011.^{6Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, Font G, Yusà V · 2018Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670Read source →}

References

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

GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsWorld Health Organization · GEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment Programme · 2026 · extranet.who.intDataset
FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsU.S. Food and Drug Administration · FDA Total Diet Study · 2022 · www.fda.govDataset
Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaBora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, et al. · Horticulturae · 2022 · doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8111034Peer-reviewed
Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthGuerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, and Canniatti-Brazaca SG · Scientia Agricola 69(1):54-60 · 2012 · doi.org/10.1590/s0103-90162012000100008Peer-reviewed
Occurrence and health risk assessment of antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and lead in fresh fruits consumed in South KoreaLee J, Hwang I, Park YS, and Lee DY · Applied Biological Chemistry · 2023 · doi.org/10.1186/s13765-023-00799-xPeer-reviewed
Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, et al. · Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670 · 2018 · doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2018.05.005Peer-reviewed
Concentration of cadmium and lead in vegetables and fruitsRusin M, Domagalska J, Rogala D, Razzaghi M, and Szymala I · Scientific Reports · 2021 · doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-91554-zPeer-reviewed
Cadmium and lead in vegetable and fruit produce selected from specific regional areas of the UKNorton GJ, Deacon CM, Mestrot A, Feldmann J, Jenkins P, Baskaran C, et al. · The Science of the Total Environment 533, 520-527 (2015); accepted author manuscript · 2015 · doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.06.130Peer-reviewed
Contents of Nitrates (III) and (V), Lead and Cadmium in Select Domestic FruitsSembratowicz I, Rusinek E, and Ognik K · Polish Journal of Environmental Studies · 2010Peer-reviewed
Food survey: Levels and potential health risks of chromium, lead, zinc and copper content in fruits and vegetables consumed in AlgeriaCherfi A, Abdoun S, and Gaci O · Food and Chemical Toxicology · 2014 · doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2014.04.044Peer-reviewed
Monitoring of Heavy Metal Content in Fruits and Vegetables Collected from Production and Market Sites in the Misurata Area of LibyaElbagermi MA, Edwards HGM, and Alajtal AI · ISRN Analytical Chemistry · 2012 · doi.org/10.5402/2012/827645Peer-reviewed
Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily IntakeAl Othman ZA · Molecules 2010, 15, 7482-7497 · 2010 · doi.org/10.3390/molecules15107482Peer-reviewed

Sources

Browse Strawberries 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 strawberries record in the library: 20 occurrence sources, references by form and basis, same-study contrasts.

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Heavy metals in Strawberries

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