Heavy metals in Sunflower Seeds

Quick read

Sunflower Seeds in the HMI library has 167 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and B from 13 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 →}^{3Unknown authors · 2020healthy eating patterns should include a variety of vegetables from all ﬁve of the Access this article onlinePeer-reviewed articleRead source →}^{4Shar ZH, Channa MK, Bajeer MA · 2026Environmental Assessment of Heavy Metal Uptake and Accumulation in Sunflower SeedsPlanta Animalia 5(2):191-197Read source →}^{5Tkachuk O, Gucol G, Mazur O, Verhelis V, Titarenko O · 2024Ecological safety of sunflower seeds in the conditions of agricultural intensificationScientific HorizonsRead source →}^{6Gül V, Kul S · 2021Determination of Some Heavy Metals in Oil Sunflower Seeds Grown in the North of TurkeyEuropean Journal of Science and Technology (EJOSAT) (23):725-729Read source →}

Metals measured:
Lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury and nickel and others, in 167 results from 13 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 →}^{3Unknown authors · 2020healthy eating patterns should include a variety of vegetables from all ﬁve of the Access this article onlinePeer-reviewed articleRead source →}^{4Shar ZH, Channa MK, Bajeer MA · 2026Environmental Assessment of Heavy Metal Uptake and Accumulation in Sunflower SeedsPlanta Animalia 5(2):191-197Read source →}
Main drivers:
Form, basis and where the sunflower Seeds was sampled; reporting limits decide how many results are non-detects.^{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 →}^{3Unknown authors · 2020healthy eating patterns should include a variety of vegetables from all ﬁve of the Access this article onlinePeer-reviewed articleRead source →}^{4Shar ZH, Channa MK, Bajeer MA · 2026Environmental Assessment of Heavy Metal Uptake and Accumulation in Sunflower SeedsPlanta Animalia 5(2):191-197Read 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 →}^{3Unknown authors · 2020healthy eating patterns should include a variety of vegetables from all ﬁve of the Access this article onlinePeer-reviewed articleRead source →}^{4Shar ZH, Channa MK, Bajeer MA · 2026Environmental Assessment of Heavy Metal Uptake and Accumulation in Sunflower SeedsPlanta Animalia 5(2):191-197Read source →}

Sunflower Seeds overview

Sunflower Seeds in the HMI library has 167 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and B from 13 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 →}^{3Unknown authors · 2020healthy eating patterns should include a variety of vegetables from all ﬁve of the Access this article onlinePeer-reviewed articleRead source →}^{4Shar ZH, Channa MK, Bajeer MA · 2026Environmental Assessment of Heavy Metal Uptake and Accumulation in Sunflower SeedsPlanta Animalia 5(2):191-197Read source →}^{5Tkachuk O, Gucol G, Mazur O, Verhelis V, Titarenko O · 2024Ecological safety of sunflower seeds in the conditions of agricultural intensificationScientific HorizonsRead source →}^{6Gül V, Kul S · 2021Determination of Some Heavy Metals in Oil Sunflower Seeds Grown in the North of TurkeyEuropean Journal of Science and Technology (EJOSAT) (23):725-729Read source →} WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in sunflower Seeds, as sold from 582 results in 4 reporting regions, with subgroup medians below 91 µg/kg, mostly non-detects.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} In the US Total Diet Study, sunflower Seeds, cooked had a median lead result below 5 µg/kg across 3 composites from 2018–2020.^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}

Shar et al. 2026 reported lead at 49 µg/kg (mean ± 9 SD) in sunflower Seeds, as sold from mean of the six site means (S1-S6).^{4Shar ZH, Channa MK, Bajeer MA · 2026Environmental Assessment of Heavy Metal Uptake and Accumulation in Sunflower SeedsPlanta Animalia 5(2):191-197Read source →} Across 2 other studies of ordinary farms and markets, reported cadmium means and medians on an as-sold or fresh-weight basis ranged from 265 µg/kg (Fechner et al. 2022) to 333 µg/kg (Spungen et al. 2024).^{7Fechner C, Hackethal C, Höpfner T, Dietrich J, Bloch D, Lindtner O, Sarvan I · 2022Results of the BfR MEAL Study: In Germany, mercury is mostly contained in fish and seafood while cadmium, lead, and nickel are present in a broad spectrum of foodsFood Chemistry: XRead source →}^{8Spungen JH, et al. · 2024Infants’ and young children’s dietary exposures to lead and cadmium: FDA total diet study 2018-2020Food Additives & Contaminants: Part ARead source →}

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

What counts as sunflower Seeds

This page covers sunflower Seeds in 3 forms kept separate in every comparison: sunflower Seeds, as sold (95 results), sunflower Seeds, oil (62 results) and sunflower Seeds, cooked (10 results).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Unknown authors · 2020healthy eating patterns should include a variety of vegetables from all ﬁve of the Access this article onlinePeer-reviewed articleRead source →}^{4Shar ZH, Channa MK, Bajeer MA · 2026Environmental Assessment of Heavy Metal Uptake and Accumulation in Sunflower SeedsPlanta Animalia 5(2):191-197Read source →}^{5Tkachuk O, Gucol G, Mazur O, Verhelis V, Titarenko O · 2024Ecological safety of sunflower seeds in the conditions of agricultural intensificationScientific HorizonsRead source →}^{6Gül V, Kul S · 2021Determination of Some Heavy Metals in Oil Sunflower Seeds Grown in the North of TurkeyEuropean Journal of Science and Technology (EJOSAT) (23):725-729Read 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 sunflower Seeds

The table holds every extracted sunflower Seeds result: one row for each statistic a source reports for a form, group and metal, 167 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 →}^{3Unknown authors · 2020healthy eating patterns should include a variety of vegetables from all ﬁve of the Access this article onlinePeer-reviewed articleRead source →}^{4Shar ZH, Channa MK, Bajeer MA · 2026Environmental Assessment of Heavy Metal Uptake and Accumulation in Sunflower SeedsPlanta Animalia 5(2):191-197Read source →}^{5Tkachuk O, Gucol G, Mazur O, Verhelis V, Titarenko O · 2024Ecological safety of sunflower seeds in the conditions of agricultural intensificationScientific HorizonsRead source →}^{6Gül V, Kul S · 2021Determination of Some Heavy Metals in Oil Sunflower Seeds Grown in the North of TurkeyEuropean Journal of Science and Technology (EJOSAT) (23):725-729Read 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 →}

13 rows can be rated against an HMI reference for the same form and basis, 51 rows have a direct same-study comparison, and the rest stay unrated with the reason recorded. 1 value from 1 source failed a check against their own source and are shown but not compared.^{6Gül V, Kul S · 2021Determination of Some Heavy Metals in Oil Sunflower Seeds Grown in the North of TurkeyEuropean Journal of Science and Technology (EJOSAT) (23):725-729Read source →}

Comparison methods and scope

Each row is one statistic a source reports for one form of sunflower seeds, 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

165 of 165 findings · 16 analytes

About this table

Food formCollection scopeFindingComparisonEvidence

Sunflower Seeds 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)

20 findings · 4 studies
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2018	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2013	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2004–2013	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2011–2012	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2015	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2015	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2003–2017	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	SEARO2011	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2013	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2008	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005–2013	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldauthors 2020	all samples, traditional supermarkets, BenghaziCollection date unreported	sample value.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	mean of the six site means (S1-S6)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, 12-Mail (S5)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Kotri (S6)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Larkana (Beero Chandio) (S1)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Sindri (S2)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Tando Allahyar (S3)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Tando Jam (S4)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldTkachuk et al. 2024	all samples (one batch, intensive-technology field, N90P90K90)2021–2022Basis not stated	mean.
11 findings · 2 studies
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2005	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2001	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2015	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2015	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2012–2013	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Bafra regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	not detected.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Havza regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	max.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	mean per region across six regionsCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	range.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Vezirköprü regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	not detected.
2 findings · 2 studies
Sunflower Seeds, cookedFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
Sunflower Seeds, cookedSpungen et al. 2024	all samples2018–2020	not detected.

22 findings · 6 studies
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EMRO2019	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2004	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2006	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2001–2019	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2013	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2013	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2011–2012	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2016	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2003–2017	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2008	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldauthors 2020	all samples, traditional supermarkets, BenghaziCollection date unreported	not detected.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldFechner et al. 2022	all samples (Germany, national)2017–2019	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	mean of the six site means (S1-S6)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, 12-Mail (S5)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Kotri (S6)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Larkana (Beero Chandio) (S1)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Sindri (S2)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Tando Allahyar (S3)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Tando Jam (S4)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldJoint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives 2022	GEMS/Food contaminants database2011Basis not stated	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldTkachuk et al. 2024	all samples (one batch, intensive-technology field, N90P90K90)2021–2022Basis not stated	mean.
12 findings · 3 studies
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2006	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2001	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2019	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2019	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Bafra regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	max.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Çorum regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	not detected.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	mean per region across six regionsCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	range.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Merzifon regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	not detected.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Turhal regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	not detected.
Sunflower Seeds, oilJoint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives 2022	GEMS/Food contaminants database2011Basis not stated	mean.
3 findings · 3 studies
Sunflower Seeds, cookedFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
Sunflower Seeds, cookedSpungen et al. 2024	all samples2018–2020	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, cookedSpungen 2019	all samples, TDS market baskets 2014-20162014–2016Basis not stated	mean.

7 findings · 2 studies
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2023	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2013	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2013	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2011–2012	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2008	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldauthors 2020	all samples, traditional supermarkets, BenghaziCollection date unreported	not detected.
5 findings · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2023	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2012–2023	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2022	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005	median.
1 finding · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, cookedFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.

2 findings · 2 studies
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2015–2021	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 2014	European dietary-survey occurrence data2003–2013Basis not stated	mean.
2 findings · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2019–2023	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2023	median.

4 findings · 2 studies
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2001–2017	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2008	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldauthors 2020	all samples, traditional supermarkets, BenghaziCollection date unreported	not detected.
5 findings · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2001–2005	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2001	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2001	median.
1 finding · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, cookedFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.

5 findings · 4 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2008	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2015	EU Member State submissions to EFSA, all samples (LB)2003–2012	mean.Same samples: 6,100 µg/kg (percentile)
Sunflower Seeds, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2015	EU Member State submissions to EFSA, all samples (LB)2003–2012	percentile.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2015	EU Member State submissions to EFSA, all samples (UB)2003–2012	mean.Same samples: 6,100 µg/kg (percentile)
Sunflower Seeds, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2015	EU Member State submissions to EFSA, all samples (UB)2003–2012	percentile.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldFechner et al. 2022	all samples (Germany, national)2017–2019	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) 2022	pool, not stratified2016–2019Basis not stated	sample value.
3 findings · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Bafra regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	max.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	mean per region across six regionsCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	range.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Merzifon regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	min.
1 finding · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, cookedFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.

7 findings · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	mean of the six site means (S1-S6)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, 12-Mail (S5)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Kotri (S6)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Larkana (Beero Chandio) (S1)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Sindri (S2)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Tando Allahyar (S3)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Tando Jam (S4)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
1 finding · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, cookedFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.

1 finding · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2008	median.
4 findings · 2 studies
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Bafra regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	not detected.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Havza regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	max.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	mean per region across six regionsCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	range.

2 findings · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2008	median.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005	median.
3 findings · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005	median.
Sunflower Seeds, oilWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2001	median.

1 finding · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, cookedFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.

2 findings · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Bafra regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	min.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	mean per region across six regionsCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	range.

8 findings · 2 studies
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	mean of the six site means (S1-S6)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, 12-Mail (S5)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Kotri (S6)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Larkana (Beero Chandio) (S1)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Sindri (S2)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Tando Allahyar (S3)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Tando Jam (S4)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldTkachuk et al. 2024	all samples (one batch, intensive-technology field, N90P90K90)2021–2022Basis not stated	mean.
3 findings · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Bafra regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	max.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	mean per region across six regionsCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	range.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Vezirköprü regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	min.

7 findings · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	mean of the six site means (S1-S6)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, 12-Mail (S5)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Kotri (S6)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Larkana (Beero Chandio) (S1)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Sindri (S2)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Tando Allahyar (S3)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Tando Jam (S4)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
3 findings · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Havza regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	max.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	mean per region across six regionsCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	range.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Merzifon regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	min.

3 findings · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Havza regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	max.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	mean per region across six regionsCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	range.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Turhal regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	min.

8 findings · 2 studies
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	mean of the six site means (S1-S6)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, 12-Mail (S5)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Kotri (S6)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Larkana (Beero Chandio) (S1)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Sindri (S2)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Tando Allahyar (S3)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldShar et al. 2026	sunflower seeds, Tando Jam (S4)2022–2023Dry weight	mean.
Sunflower Seeds, as soldTkachuk et al. 2024	all samples (one batch, intensive-technology field, N90P90K90)2021–2022Basis not stated	mean.
3 findings · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Bafra regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	max.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	mean per region across six regionsCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	range.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Turhal regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	min.

3 findings · 1 study
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	mean per region across six regionsCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	range.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Merzifon regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	min.
Sunflower Seeds, oilGül et al. 2021	Turhal regionCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	max.

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 sunflower seeds Pb reference · Sunflower Seeds, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds Pb reference · Sunflower Seeds, as sold. Sunflower Seeds, 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	≤10	10	10–21 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤10	10	10–16.5 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	46	50%
authors 2020	1	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for sunflower seeds, 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:sunflower-seeds-a8028c200297:c484469c86c2

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 sunflower seeds Pb reference · Sunflower Seeds, oil

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤2.5	≤10	≤90
Alternative weighting	≤2.5	≤10	≤90

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	10	100%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for sunflower seeds, oil on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-16e8fb380480:a1ddc1898354

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 sunflower seeds Pb reference · Sunflower Seeds, cooked

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds Pb reference · Sunflower Seeds, cooked. Sunflower Seeds, cooked; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

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

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	3	50%
Spungen et al. 2024	1	50%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

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:sunflower-seeds-26f00373ce98:0f7f85d7585a

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 sunflower seeds Cd reference · Sunflower Seeds, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds Cd reference · Sunflower Seeds, as sold. Sunflower Seeds, 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	146	196	349
Alternative weighting	157	232	373

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	48	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for sunflower seeds, 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 sunflower seeds, as sold on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-e1cdf96c745d:e16aef5e686f

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 sunflower seeds Cd reference · Sunflower Seeds, oil

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤0.946	≤6.7	3.19–10 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤0.723	0.473–5.47 (bounded)	3.72–12.6 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	9	100%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for sunflower seeds, oil on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-dba47517d94e:d1ba38c28888

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 sunflower seeds Cd reference · Sunflower Seeds, cooked

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds Cd reference · Sunflower Seeds, cooked. Sunflower Seeds, cooked; 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	300	300	400
Alternative weighting	300	300	400

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

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

Methods

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

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

Limitations

FDA Total Diet Study is the only compatible sampling family for sunflower seeds, cooked on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-3a5c60cae47c:852ab420eb69

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 sunflower seeds tAs reference · Sunflower Seeds, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds tAs reference · Sunflower Seeds, as sold. Sunflower Seeds, 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	≤20	≤29	17–85 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤20	≤27.5	13–66.5 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	31	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for sunflower seeds, 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 sunflower seeds, as sold on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-a4208037daa7:f0942c46b631

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 sunflower seeds tAs reference · Sunflower Seeds, oil

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds tAs reference · Sunflower Seeds, oil. Sunflower Seeds, oil; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤12	≤24.5	3.75–40 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤12	≤25	≤40

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	24	100%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for sunflower seeds, oil on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-9eca741cafb7:5469b7903343

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 sunflower seeds tAs reference · Sunflower Seeds, cooked

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds tAs reference · Sunflower Seeds, cooked. Sunflower Seeds, cooked; 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	6.5
Alternative weighting	≤4	≤4	6.5

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

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

Methods

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

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

Limitations

FDA Total Diet Study is the only compatible sampling family for sunflower seeds, cooked on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-292d696a7b32:6e642a8dc804

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 sunflower seeds iAs reference · Sunflower Seeds, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds iAs reference · Sunflower Seeds, as sold. Sunflower Seeds, 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	≤10	≤15	≤20
Alternative weighting	≤10	≤15	≤20

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 sunflower seeds, 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 sunflower seeds, as sold on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-48b358d3c144:21957f632bf5

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 sunflower seeds iAs reference · Sunflower Seeds, oil

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds iAs reference · Sunflower Seeds, oil. Sunflower Seeds, oil; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

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

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

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

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for sunflower seeds, oil on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-b9c9a7f42be4:70b0b9624ea0

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 sunflower seeds tHg reference · Sunflower Seeds, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds tHg reference · Sunflower Seeds, as sold. Sunflower Seeds, 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	≤0.64	≤1.5	0.54–7.5 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤0.64	≤1.5	0.54–7.5 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	18	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for sunflower seeds, 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 sunflower seeds, as sold on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-f715d08c465e:86e1e66d159b

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 sunflower seeds tHg reference · Sunflower Seeds, oil

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds tHg reference · Sunflower Seeds, oil. Sunflower Seeds, oil; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤0.775	≤5	1.15–50 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤0.775	≤5	1.15–50 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	7	100%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for sunflower seeds, oil on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-01c146d46406:b6883d169f4a

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 sunflower seeds tHg reference · Sunflower Seeds, cooked

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds tHg reference · Sunflower Seeds, cooked. Sunflower Seeds, cooked; 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	1.3
Alternative weighting	≤1	≤1	1.3

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

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

Methods

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

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

Limitations

FDA Total Diet Study is the only compatible sampling family for sunflower seeds, cooked on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-84e9f169429e:6ee7f74b59b0

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 sunflower seeds Ni reference · Sunflower Seeds, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds Ni reference · Sunflower Seeds, as sold. Sunflower Seeds, 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	2530	2530	2530
Alternative weighting	2530	2530	2530

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 sunflower seeds, 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 sunflower seeds, as sold on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-51732053d3da:1d2f1987a08b

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 sunflower seeds Ni reference · Sunflower Seeds, cooked

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds Ni reference · Sunflower Seeds, cooked. Sunflower Seeds, cooked; 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	4200	4400	6200
Alternative weighting	4200	4400	6200

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

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

Methods

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

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

Limitations

FDA Total Diet Study is the only compatible sampling family for sunflower seeds, cooked on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-ecf9ccd20c3d:46cdb21d2bbe

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 sunflower seeds Cr reference · Sunflower Seeds, cooked

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds Cr reference · Sunflower Seeds, cooked. Sunflower Seeds, cooked; 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	≤130	≤130	≤130
Alternative weighting	≤130	≤130	≤130

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

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

Methods

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

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

Limitations

FDA Total Diet Study is the only compatible sampling family for sunflower seeds, cooked on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-b4cd36abc364:7039742bad0b

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 sunflower seeds Al reference · Sunflower Seeds, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds Al reference · Sunflower Seeds, as sold. Sunflower Seeds, 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	9790	9790	9790
Alternative weighting	9790	9790	9790

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 sunflower seeds, 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 sunflower seeds, as sold on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-75e5ace979f3:8e99de1c54d7

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 sunflower seeds Al reference · Sunflower Seeds, oil

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds Al reference · Sunflower Seeds, oil. Sunflower Seeds, oil; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤236	735–853 (bounded)	1470
Alternative weighting	≤236	735–853 (bounded)	1470

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

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

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for sunflower seeds, oil on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-fe9551825189:fe01de8a9af5

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 sunflower seeds Sn reference · Sunflower Seeds, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds Sn reference · Sunflower Seeds, as sold. Sunflower Seeds, 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	≤60	50–95 (bounded)	100–130 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤60	50–95 (bounded)	100–130 (bounded)

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 sunflower seeds, 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 sunflower seeds, as sold on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-ec399574ba35:f061b53ba38c

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 sunflower seeds Sn reference · Sunflower Seeds, oil

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds Sn reference · Sunflower Seeds, oil. Sunflower Seeds, oil; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	24.4	26.1	200
Alternative weighting	24.4	26.1	200

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

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

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for sunflower seeds, oil on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-f61978bdbf98:12054cccd90d

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 sunflower seeds U reference · Sunflower Seeds, cooked

Reference and scope

HMI sunflower seeds U reference · Sunflower Seeds, cooked. Sunflower Seeds, cooked; 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

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

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

Methods

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

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

Limitations

FDA Total Diet Study is the only compatible sampling family for sunflower seeds, cooked on this basis in the completed sunflower seeds 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:sunflower-seeds-f3936abaf026:fa90d7bce0ab

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 sunflower Seeds

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

Which forms and regions measured lower

The HMI reference for lead in sunflower Seeds, as sold pools 47 subgroup units from 2 sampling families, with a median of 10 µg/kg and a middle half spanning below 10 (lower quartile) and between 10 and 21 µg/kg (upper quartile).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{3Unknown authors · 2020healthy eating patterns should include a variety of vegetables from all ﬁve of the Access this article onlinePeer-reviewed articleRead source →} For lead in sunflower Seeds, cooked, the reference median was below 5 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 5 to below 5 µg/kg across 4 units.^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{8Spungen JH, et al. · 2024Infants’ and young children’s dietary exposures to lead and cadmium: FDA total diet study 2018-2020Food Additives & Contaminants: Part ARead source →} For lead in sunflower Seeds, oil, the reference median was below 10 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 2.5 to below 90 µg/kg across 10 units.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, sunflower Seeds, as sold had the lowest cadmium subgroup median in EMRO (25.5 µg/kg) and the highest in PAHO (394 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 total arsenic, the lowest regional median was in EURO (15.7 µg/kg) and the highest in EURO (18.8 µg/kg).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

Targeted sunflower Seeds, as sold samples in EURO had cadmium lower at 69.5 µg/kg, against 100 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, lead across 7 groups of sunflower Seeds ranged from 38 µg/kg (sunflower seeds, Tando Allahyar (S3)) to 63 µg/kg (sunflower seeds, Tando Jam (S4)); the lowest is the lowest observed in that study, not an established sourcing preference.^{4Shar ZH, Channa MK, Bajeer MA · 2026Environmental Assessment of Heavy Metal Uptake and Accumulation in Sunflower SeedsPlanta Animalia 5(2):191-197Read source →}

Processing, cooking and preparation

Processed or prepared forms were compared only with unprocessed sunflower Seeds in the same study and group. Sunflower Seeds, oil (GEMS/Food contaminants database) had cadmium lower at 3.2 µg/kg, against 219 µg/kg for the unprocessed form in the same group (sunflower seeds, as sold).^{9Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives · 2022Cadmium: dietary exposure assessmentWHO Food Additives Series, No. 82 (Safety evaluation of certain contaminants in food, prepared by the 91st meeting of JECFA)Read source →} In another study, sunflower Seeds, oil (EURO) had aluminium lower at 678 µg/kg, against 9,790 µg/kg for the unprocessed form in the same group (sunflower seeds, 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 sunflower Seeds

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

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

Trade-offs and limits of controls

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

Testing sunflower Seeds for metals

Results depend on the method and its reporting limit. Reporting limits for lead ranged from 2.5 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 4,000 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food), so a non-detect from a less sensitive method says much less.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} Reporting limits for cadmium ranged from 0.5 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 42 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 4 µg/kg (FDA Total Diet Study) to 4,000 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food), so a non-detect from a less sensitive method says much less.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}

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

Buying and verifying sunflower Seeds

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

Exposure from sunflower Seeds

No source in the library converted sunflower Seeds 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 sunflower Seeds was decided on its content: 13 occurrence extracted, 13 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.

Sunflower Seeds FAQs

What heavy metals are found in sunflower Seeds?

The library reports lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and B in sunflower Seeds, 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 →}^{3Unknown authors · 2020healthy eating patterns should include a variety of vegetables from all ﬁve of the Access this article onlinePeer-reviewed articleRead source →}^{4Shar ZH, Channa MK, Bajeer MA · 2026Environmental Assessment of Heavy Metal Uptake and Accumulation in Sunflower SeedsPlanta Animalia 5(2):191-197Read source →} WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in sunflower Seeds, as sold from 582 results in 4 reporting regions, with subgroup medians below 91 µg/kg, mostly non-detects.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

Which regions report the lowest levels in sunflower Seeds?

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, sunflower Seeds, as sold had the lowest cadmium subgroup median in EMRO (25.5 µg/kg) and the highest in PAHO (394 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 total arsenic, the lowest regional median was in EURO (15.7 µg/kg) and the highest in EURO (18.8 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 sunflower Seeds?

Only comparisons between forms in the same study are available, not before-and-after measurements of the same sunflower Seeds.^{9Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives · 2022Cadmium: dietary exposure assessmentWHO Food Additives Series, No. 82 (Safety evaluation of certain contaminants in food, prepared by the 91st meeting of JECFA)Read source →} Sunflower Seeds, oil (GEMS/Food contaminants database) had cadmium lower at 3.2 µg/kg, against 219 µg/kg for the unprocessed form in the same group (sunflower seeds, as sold).^{9Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives · 2022Cadmium: dietary exposure assessmentWHO Food Additives Series, No. 82 (Safety evaluation of certain contaminants in food, prepared by the 91st meeting of JECFA)Read source →}

How much of the arsenic in sunflower Seeds is inorganic?

Inorganic arsenic, the more toxic form, was measured in 4 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 →}^{10European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · 2014Dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic in the European populationEFSA Journal 2014;12(3):3597Read source →} European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 2014 reported inorganic arsenic at 25.1 µg/kg (mean) in sunflower Seeds, as sold from European dietary-survey occurrence data.^{10European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · 2014Dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic in the European populationEFSA Journal 2014;12(3):3597Read 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
healthy eating patterns should include a variety of vegetables from all ﬁve of the Access this article onlineUnknown authors · Peer-reviewed article · 2020 · doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v12i6.33792Peer-reviewed
Environmental Assessment of Heavy Metal Uptake and Accumulation in Sunflower SeedsShar ZH, Channa MK, and Bajeer MA · Planta Animalia 5(2):191-197 · 2026 · doi.org/10.71454/PA.005.02.0383Peer-reviewed
Ecological safety of sunflower seeds in the conditions of agricultural intensificationTkachuk O, Gucol G, Mazur O, Verhelis V, and Titarenko O · Scientific Horizons · 2024 · doi.org/10.48077/scihor1.2024.71Peer-reviewed
Determination of Some Heavy Metals in Oil Sunflower Seeds Grown in the North of TurkeyGül V and Kul S · European Journal of Science and Technology (EJOSAT) (23):725-729 · 2021 · doi.org/10.31590/ejosat.873311Peer-reviewed
Results of the BfR MEAL Study: In Germany, mercury is mostly contained in fish and seafood while cadmium, lead, and nickel are present in a broad spectrum of foodsFechner C, Hackethal C, Höpfner T, Dietrich J, Bloch D, Lindtner O, et al. · Food Chemistry: X · 2022 · doi.org/10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100326Peer-reviewed
Infants’ and young children’s dietary exposures to lead and cadmium: FDA total diet study 2018-2020Spungen JH and et al. · Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A · 2024 · doi.org/10.1080/19440049.2024.2396910Peer-reviewed
Cadmium: dietary exposure assessmentJoint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives · WHO Food Additives Series, No. 82 (Safety evaluation of certain contaminants in food, prepared by the 91st meeting of JECFA) · 2022 · www.who.intGovernment
Dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic in the European populationEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · EFSA Journal 2014;12(3):3597 · 2014 · doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3597Government

Sources

Browse Sunflower Seeds 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 sunflower seeds record in the library: 13 occurrence sources, references by form and basis, same-study contrasts.

Referenced by

Graph View

1

2

Food and Drug Administration

3

4

5

6

7

8

Food Additives

9

Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives

10

European Food Safety Authority

Heavy metals in Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower Seeds overview

What counts as sunflower Seeds

Heavy metal contamination profile of sunflower Seeds

How metals reach sunflower Seeds

Which forms and regions measured lower

Processing, cooking and preparation

Mitigation for sunflower Seeds

Trade-offs and limits of controls

Testing sunflower Seeds for metals

Buying and verifying sunflower Seeds

Exposure from sunflower Seeds

Evidence review and remaining gaps

Sunflower Seeds FAQs

References

Sources

Update history

Related ingredients

Referenced by

Graph View