Heavy metals in Watermelon

Quick read

Watermelon in the HMI library has 450 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, arsenic (As) and Mg from 20 sources.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Unknown authors · 2020healthy eating patterns should include a variety of vegetables from all ﬁve of the Access this article onlinePeer-reviewed articleRead source →}^{4Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{5Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}^{6Oladele OO, Aladesanmi OC · 2020Level of heavy metals in sliced watermelon fruits in selected markets in Akure, NigeriaBulletin of the National Research Centre (2020) 44:102Read source →}

Metals measured:
Lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury and nickel and others, in 450 results from 20 sources.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Unknown authors · 2020healthy eating patterns should include a variety of vegetables from all ﬁve of the Access this article onlinePeer-reviewed articleRead source →}^{4Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}
Main drivers:
Form, basis and where the watermelon 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 →}^{4Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}
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 →}^{4Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}

Watermelon overview

Watermelon in the HMI library has 450 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, As and Mg from 20 sources.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Unknown authors · 2020healthy eating patterns should include a variety of vegetables from all ﬁve of the Access this article onlinePeer-reviewed articleRead source →}^{4Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{5Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}^{6Oladele OO, Aladesanmi OC · 2020Level of heavy metals in sliced watermelon fruits in selected markets in Akure, NigeriaBulletin of the National Research Centre (2020) 44:102Read source →} WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in watermelon, as sold from 628 results in 5 reporting regions, with a subgroup median of 30 µg/kg.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} In the US Total Diet Study, watermelon, frozen had a median lead result below 4 µg/kg across 27 composites from 2017–2020.^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}

Across 4 other studies of ordinary farms and markets, reported lead means and medians on a dry-weight basis ranged from 10 µg/kg (Elbagory et al. 2025) to 500 µg/kg (Elbagermi et al. 2012).^{7Elbagory M, Abd El-Aziz MA, Omara AED, Abou Fayssal S, Kumar V · 2025Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Four Melon Fruit Varieties Grown in the Ganges and Yamuna River BasinHorticulturaeRead source →}^{8Elbagermi MA, Edwards HGM, Alajtal AI · 2012Monitoring of Heavy Metal Content in Fruits and Vegetables Collected from Production and Market Sites in the Misurata Area of LibyaISRN Analytical ChemistryRead source →} For cadmium, 5 studies on a dry-weight basis reported means and medians from 1.23 µg/kg (Reza et al. 2019) to 250 µg/kg (Elbagory et al. 2025).^{7Elbagory M, Abd El-Aziz MA, Omara AED, Abou Fayssal S, Kumar V · 2025Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Four Melon Fruit Varieties Grown in the Ganges and Yamuna River BasinHorticulturaeRead source →}^{9Sharafati Chaleshtori Reza, Jadi Zahra · 2019Assessment of Lead and Cadmium Levels in Watermelon and CarrotIranian Journal of ToxicologyRead source →}

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

What counts as watermelon

This page covers watermelon in 3 forms kept separate in every comparison: watermelon, as sold (440 results), watermelon, frozen (9 results) and watermelon, juice (1 result).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Unknown authors · 2020healthy eating patterns should include a variety of vegetables from all ﬁve of the Access this article onlinePeer-reviewed articleRead source →}^{4Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{5Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}^{6Oladele OO, Aladesanmi OC · 2020Level of heavy metals in sliced watermelon fruits in selected markets in Akure, NigeriaBulletin of the National Research Centre (2020) 44:102Read 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 watermelon

The table holds every extracted watermelon result: one row for each statistic a source reports for a form, group and metal, 450 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 →}^{4Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{5Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}^{6Oladele OO, Aladesanmi OC · 2020Level of heavy metals in sliced watermelon fruits in selected markets in Akure, NigeriaBulletin of the National Research Centre (2020) 44:102Read 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 →}

3 rows can be rated against an HMI reference for the same form and basis, 245 rows have a direct same-study comparison, and the rest stay unrated with the reason recorded. 4 values from 1 source failed a check against their own source and are shown but not compared.^{10Uba G, Abdulhadi Y, Lawan MA, Ahmad A, Kabir A · 2022Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals from Selected Fruits and Vegetables Sold in Dutse Ultra-Modern Market, Jigawa StateJournal of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology 10(2):52-55Read source →}

Comparison methods and scope

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

433 of 433 findings · 19 analytes

About this table

Food formCollection scopeFindingComparisonEvidence

Watermelon 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)

78 findings · 14 studies · 8 spread figures folded in
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	AFRO2018As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2019As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2000As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2017As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2016As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2000–2017As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2014–2016As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	SEARO2014As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005–2014As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2001–2008As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldauthors 2020	all samples, traditional supermarkets, BenghaziCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / fresh	sample value.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor ACollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor BCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor CCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor DCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor ECollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor FCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor ACollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor BCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor CCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor DCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor ECollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor FCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor ACollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor BCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor CCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor DCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor ECollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor FCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	AFRO2012	median.
Watermelon, as soldElbagermi et al. 2012	all samples2010	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	all ten sites (variety mean)2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	all ten sites (variety mean)2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L1 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L1 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L2 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L2 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L3 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L3 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L4 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L4 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L5 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L5 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L6 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L6 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L7 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L7 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L8 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L8 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L9 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L9 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L10 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L10 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	all samples, Kashan supermarkets, Oct 2017-Sep 20182017–2018	mean.Same samples: ND (not detected) µg/kg; 74.4 µg/kg (maximum)
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	all samples, Kashan supermarkets, Oct 2017-Sep 20182017–2018	min.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	all samples, Kashan supermarkets, Oct 2017-Sep 20182017–2018	max.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	autumn samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	mean.Same samples: 2.24 µg/kg (minimum); 73.8 µg/kg (maximum)
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	autumn samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	min.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	autumn samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	max.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	spring samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	mean.Same samples: 1.18 µg/kg (minimum); 26.8 µg/kg (maximum)
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	spring samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	min.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	spring samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	max.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	summer samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	mean.Same samples: 30.1 µg/kg (maximum)
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	summer samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	min.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	summer samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	max.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	winter samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	mean.Same samples: 74.4 µg/kg (maximum)
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	winter samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	min.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	winter samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	max.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Agboju market (Amuwo Odofin)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	five Lagos markets combinedCollection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Iyana-Iba market (Ojo)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Iyana-Ipaja market (Alimosho)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Ketu market (Ikosi/Isheri)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Oyingbo market (Lagos Mainland)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldUroko et al. 2019	Ubani market, Umuahia, Abia StateCollection date unreported	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	SEARO2012–2013Basis not stated	median.
Watermelon, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
Watermelon, as soldUnaegbu et al. 2016	Sample E, South Africa (imported, grocery store)Collection date unreportedBasis not stated	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldUnaegbu et al. 2016	Sample J, Nigeria (local, Ogbete market)Collection date unreportedBasis not stated	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldWang et al. 2020	all samples (both areas)2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
Watermelon, as soldWang et al. 2020	Other (non-Songhua) area2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
Watermelon, as soldWang et al. 2020	Songhua River basin area2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
Watermelon, as soldZhang et al. 2021	single marketed sample, Shandong2019Basis not stated	not detected.
2 findings · 2 studies
Watermelon, frozenFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, frozenSpungen et al. 2024	all samples2018–2020As sold / fresh	not detected.
1 finding · 1 study
Watermelon, juiceWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2012As sold / fresh	median.

76 findings · 14 studies · 9 spread figures folded in
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	AFRO2018As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2004–2019As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2000–2006As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2017As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2015As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2015As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2003–2017As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2016As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005–2014As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2001–2008As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldauthors 2020	all samples, traditional supermarkets, BenghaziCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / fresh	sample value.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor ACollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor BCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor CCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor DCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor ECollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor FCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor ACollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor BCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor CCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor DCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor ECollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor FCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor ACollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor BCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor CCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor DCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor ECollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor FCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	AFRO2012	median.
Watermelon, as soldElbagermi et al. 2012	all samples2010	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	all ten sites (variety mean)2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	all ten sites (variety mean)2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L1 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L1 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L2 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L2 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L3 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L3 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L4 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L4 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L5 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L5 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L6 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L6 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L7 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L7 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L8 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L8 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L9 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L9 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L10 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L10 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	all samples, Kashan supermarkets, Oct 2017-Sep 20182017–2018	mean.Same samples: ND (not detected) µg/kg; 13.4 µg/kg (maximum)
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	all samples, Kashan supermarkets, Oct 2017-Sep 20182017–2018	min.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	all samples, Kashan supermarkets, Oct 2017-Sep 20182017–2018	max.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	autumn samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	mean.Same samples: 0.7 µg/kg (minimum); 7.24 µg/kg (maximum)
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	autumn samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	min.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	autumn samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	max.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	spring samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	mean.Same samples: 2.99 µg/kg (maximum)
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	spring samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	min.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	spring samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	max.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	summer samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	mean.Same samples: 0.53 µg/kg (minimum); 4.64 µg/kg (maximum)
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	summer samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	min.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	summer samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	max.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	winter samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	mean.Same samples: 0.69 µg/kg (minimum); 13.4 µg/kg (maximum)
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	winter samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	min.
Watermelon, as soldReza et al. 2019	winter samples, Kashan supermarkets2017–2018	max.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Agboju market (Amuwo Odofin)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	five Lagos markets combinedCollection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Iyana-Iba market (Ojo)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Iyana-Ipaja market (Alimosho)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Ketu market (Ikosi/Isheri)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Oyingbo market (Lagos Mainland)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldUroko et al. 2019	Ubani market, Umuahia, Abia StateCollection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
Watermelon, as soldJoint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives 2022	GEMS/Food contaminants database2011Basis not stated	mean.
Watermelon, as soldUnaegbu et al. 2016	Sample E, South Africa (imported, grocery store)Collection date unreportedBasis not stated	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldUnaegbu et al. 2016	Sample J, Nigeria (local, Ogbete market)Collection date unreportedBasis not stated	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldWang et al. 2020	all samples (both areas)2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
Watermelon, as soldWang et al. 2020	Other (non-Songhua) area2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
Watermelon, as soldWang et al. 2020	Songhua River basin area2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
2 findings · 2 studies
Watermelon, frozenFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, frozenSpungen et al. 2024	all samples2018–2020As sold / fresh	mean.

34 findings · 4 studies
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	AFRO2018As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2023As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2018–2022As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2004–2023As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2000As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2006As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2004–2014As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2001–2008As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldauthors 2020	all samples, traditional supermarkets, BenghaziCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	all ten sites (variety mean)2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	all ten sites (variety mean)2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L1 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L1 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L2 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L2 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L3 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L3 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L4 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L4 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L5 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L5 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L6 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L6 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L7 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L7 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L8 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L8 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L9 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L9 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L10 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L10 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldWang et al. 2020	all samples (both areas)2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
Watermelon, as soldWang et al. 2020	Other (non-Songhua) area2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
Watermelon, as soldWang et al. 2020	Songhua River basin area2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
1 finding · 1 study
Watermelon, frozenFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / fresh	median.

3 findings · 3 studies
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010–2011As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldCentre for Food Safety FEHD HKSAR 2012	all samples (4 sampling occasions, composites)2010–2011Basis not stated	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 2014	European dietary-survey occurrence data2003–2013Basis not stated	mean.

8 findings · 3 studies
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	AFRO2018As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2005–2020As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2000As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2015–2017As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2004–2014As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2001–2008As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldauthors 2020	all samples, traditional supermarkets, BenghaziCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldZhang et al. 2021	single marketed sample, Shandong2019Basis not stated	not detected.
1 finding · 1 study
Watermelon, frozenFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / fresh	median.

32 findings · 9 studies
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2000As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / fresh	sample value.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor ACollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor BCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor CCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor DCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor ECollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor FCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor ACollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor BCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor CCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor DCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor ECollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor FCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor ACollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor BCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor CCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor DCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor ECollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor FCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagermi et al. 2012	all samples2010	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Agboju market (Amuwo Odofin)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	five Lagos markets combinedCollection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Iyana-Iba market (Ojo)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Iyana-Ipaja market (Alimosho)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Ketu market (Ikosi/Isheri)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Oyingbo market (Lagos Mainland)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldUroko et al. 2019	Ubani market, Umuahia, Abia StateCollection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
Watermelon, as soldUba et al. 2022	Dutse Ultra-Modern MarketCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	mean.
Watermelon, as soldUnaegbu et al. 2016	Sample E, South Africa (imported, grocery store)Collection date unreportedBasis not stated	sample value.
Watermelon, as soldUnaegbu et al. 2016	Sample J, Nigeria (local, Ogbete market)Collection date unreportedBasis not stated	sample value.
1 finding · 1 study
Watermelon, frozenFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / fresh	median.

50 findings · 7 studies
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2000As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / fresh	sample value.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor ACollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor BCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor CCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor DCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor ECollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor FCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor ACollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor BCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor CCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor DCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor ECollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor FCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor ACollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor BCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor CCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor DCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor ECollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor FCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	all ten sites (variety mean)2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	all ten sites (variety mean)2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L1 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L1 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L2 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L2 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L3 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L3 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L4 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L4 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L5 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L5 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L6 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L6 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L7 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L7 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L8 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L8 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L9 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L9 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L10 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L10 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Agboju market (Amuwo Odofin)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	five Lagos markets combinedCollection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Iyana-Iba market (Ojo)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Iyana-Ipaja market (Alimosho)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Ketu market (Ikosi/Isheri)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Oyingbo market (Lagos Mainland)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldUroko et al. 2019	Ubani market, Umuahia, Abia StateCollection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldUba et al. 2022	Dutse Ultra-Modern MarketCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	mean.
1 finding · 1 study
Watermelon, frozenFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / fresh	median.

5 findings · 3 studies
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2000As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
Watermelon, as soldWang et al. 2020	all samples (both areas)2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
Watermelon, as soldWang et al. 2020	Other (non-Songhua) area2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
Watermelon, as soldWang et al. 2020	Songhua River basin area2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.

2 findings · 2 studies
Watermelon, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005–2011As sold / fresh	median.
Watermelon, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.

1 finding · 1 study
Watermelon, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	not detected.

1 finding · 1 study
Watermelon, frozenFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / fresh	median.

3 findings · 3 studies
Watermelon, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / fresh	sample value.
Watermelon, as soldElbagermi et al. 2012	all samples2010	mean.
Watermelon, as soldUroko et al. 2019	Ubani market, Umuahia, Abia StateCollection date unreported	not detected.

48 findings · 5 studies
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor ACollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor BCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor CCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor DCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor ECollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Isinkan market, Akure, vendor FCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor ACollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor BCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor CCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor DCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor ECollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Oja-Oba market, Akure, vendor FCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor ACollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor BCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor CCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor DCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor ECollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldOladele et al. 2020	Shasha market, Akure, vendor FCollection date unreportedAs sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagermi et al. 2012	all samples2010	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	all ten sites (variety mean)2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	all ten sites (variety mean)2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L1 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L1 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L2 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L2 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L3 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L3 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L4 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L4 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L5 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L5 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L6 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L6 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L7 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L7 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L8 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L8 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L9 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L9 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L10 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L10 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Agboju market (Amuwo Odofin)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	five Lagos markets combinedCollection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Iyana-Iba market (Ojo)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Iyana-Ipaja market (Alimosho)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Ketu market (Ikosi/Isheri)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Oyingbo market (Lagos Mainland)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldUroko et al. 2019	Ubani market, Umuahia, Abia StateCollection date unreported	mean.

23 findings · 2 studies
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	all ten sites (variety mean)2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	all ten sites (variety mean)2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L1 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L1 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L2 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L2 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L3 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L3 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L4 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L4 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L5 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L5 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L6 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L6 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L7 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L7 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L8 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L8 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L9 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L9 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L10 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L10 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldUroko et al. 2019	Ubani market, Umuahia, Abia StateCollection date unreported	mean.

23 findings · 2 studies
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	all ten sites (variety mean)2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	all ten sites (variety mean)2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L1 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L1 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L2 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L2 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L3 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L3 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L4 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L4 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L5 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L5 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L6 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L6 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L7 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L7 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L8 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L8 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L9 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L9 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L10 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L10 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldUroko et al. 2019	Ubani market, Umuahia, Abia StateCollection date unreported	mean.

33 findings · 6 studies
Watermelon, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagermi et al. 2012	all samples2010	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	all ten sites (variety mean)2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	all ten sites (variety mean)2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L1 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L1 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L2 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L2 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L3 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L3 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L4 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L4 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L5 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L5 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L6 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L6 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L7 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L7 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L8 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L8 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L9 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L9 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L10 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldElbagory et al. 2025	L10 site2024	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Agboju market (Amuwo Odofin)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	five Lagos markets combinedCollection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Iyana-Iba market (Ojo)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Iyana-Ipaja market (Alimosho)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Ketu market (Ikosi/Isheri)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldRotimi et al. 2018	Oyingbo market (Lagos Mainland)Collection date unreported	mean.
Watermelon, as soldUroko et al. 2019	Ubani market, Umuahia, Abia StateCollection date unreported	not detected.
Watermelon, as soldUba et al. 2022	Dutse Ultra-Modern MarketCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	mean.

1 finding · 1 study
Watermelon, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	not detected.

2 findings · 1 study
Watermelon, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Watermelon, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	mean.

1 finding · 1 study
Watermelon, as soldUba et al. 2022	Dutse Ultra-Modern MarketCollection date unreportedBasis not stated	mean.

Shared dataset methods and interpretation

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

HMI watermelon Pb reference · Watermelon, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤5	160–170 (bounded)	170
Alternative weighting	≤5	160–170 (bounded)	170

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	44	50%
Guerra et al. 2012	1	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for watermelon, 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:watermelon-308ac0f79a8f:bb7cd4964cd0

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 watermelon Pb reference · Watermelon, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

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

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

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

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

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for watermelon, as sold on this basis in the completed watermelon 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:watermelon-e5caa84d5601:d69a415b77f2

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 watermelon Pb reference · Watermelon, as sold, basis not stated

Reference and scope

HMI watermelon Pb reference · Watermelon, as sold, basis not stated. Watermelon, as sold; Basis not stated by the source, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	10	30	50
Alternative weighting	10	30	50

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 watermelon, as sold on a basis not stated by the source 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 watermelon, as sold on this basis in the completed watermelon 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:watermelon-ab1e654766a2:7e9d0e41891d

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 watermelon Pb reference · Watermelon, frozen

Reference and scope

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

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

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	27	50%
Spungen et al. 2024	1	50%

Methods

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

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

Limitations

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:watermelon-7a9ed8a8bd66:d1c3f800b169

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 watermelon Pb reference · Watermelon, juice

Reference and scope

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

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

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

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

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for watermelon, juice on this basis in the completed watermelon 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:watermelon-a2a737417100:3aaba7107750

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 watermelon Cd reference · Watermelon, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤2.5	20	20
Alternative weighting	0.5–2 (bounded)	20	20

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	43	50%
Guerra et al. 2012	1	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for watermelon, 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:watermelon-7ab4d7b674c1:8426008f42b3

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 watermelon Cd reference · Watermelon, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

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

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

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

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

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for watermelon, as sold on this basis in the completed watermelon 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:watermelon-19204c817423:c9ce680339d0

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 watermelon Cd reference · Watermelon, frozen

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤1	≤1	1.2
Alternative weighting	≤1	≤1	1.2

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

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

Methods

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

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

Limitations

FDA Total Diet Study is the only compatible sampling family for watermelon, frozen on this basis in the completed watermelon 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:watermelon-311b04f45c87:24672731a79e

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 watermelon tAs reference · Watermelon, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤1.38	≤3.25	1.65–10 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤1.51	≤3	1.68–9 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	22	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for watermelon, 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 watermelon, as sold on this basis in the completed watermelon 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:watermelon-07cbadda359e:4f872d9c609e

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 watermelon tAs reference · Watermelon, frozen

Reference and scope

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

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

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

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

Methods

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

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

Limitations

FDA Total Diet Study is the only compatible sampling family for watermelon, frozen on this basis in the completed watermelon 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:watermelon-667375330b9b:64f988fcbdab

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 watermelon iAs reference · Watermelon, as sold

Reference and scope

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

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

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

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

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for watermelon, 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 watermelon, as sold on this basis in the completed watermelon 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:watermelon-c48e0cb07cfd:1bb13bcfa233

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 watermelon tHg reference · Watermelon, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI watermelon tHg reference · Watermelon, as sold. Watermelon, 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	≤0.1	≤2.85	0.055–5 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤0.1	≤1.5	0.055–5 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	14	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for watermelon, 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 watermelon, as sold on this basis in the completed watermelon 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:watermelon-7a1caf1b7fc7:5a3cb3760733

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 watermelon tHg reference · Watermelon, frozen

Reference and scope

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

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

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

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

Methods

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

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

Limitations

FDA Total Diet Study is the only compatible sampling family for watermelon, frozen on this basis in the completed watermelon 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:watermelon-0a7676e58f70:54e30f5cb858

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 watermelon Ni reference · Watermelon, as sold

Reference and scope

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

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

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Guerra et al. 2012	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for watermelon, 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

Guerra et al. 2012 is the only compatible sampling family for watermelon, as sold on this basis in the completed watermelon 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

Guerra et al. 2012

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:watermelon-3d407883bdff:29ec0db0b670

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 watermelon Ni reference · Watermelon, frozen

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤40	≤40	41
Alternative weighting	≤40	≤40	41

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

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

Methods

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

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

Limitations

FDA Total Diet Study is the only compatible sampling family for watermelon, frozen on this basis in the completed watermelon 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:watermelon-29ec3a779f99:3afa4a88c783

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 watermelon Cr reference · Watermelon, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI watermelon Cr reference · Watermelon, as sold. Watermelon, 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
Alternative weighting	10	10	10

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Guerra et al. 2012	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for watermelon, 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

Guerra et al. 2012 is the only compatible sampling family for watermelon, as sold on this basis in the completed watermelon 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

Guerra et al. 2012

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:watermelon-d7a421d71a9e:f17cc92547f8

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 watermelon Cr reference · Watermelon, frozen

Reference and scope

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

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

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

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

Methods

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

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

Limitations

FDA Total Diet Study is the only compatible sampling family for watermelon, frozen on this basis in the completed watermelon 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:watermelon-8d829c6a20d9:9fce077d8c37

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 watermelon Sn reference · Watermelon, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI watermelon Sn reference · Watermelon, as sold. Watermelon, 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	13	100–130 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤10	13	100–130 (bounded)

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

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

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for watermelon, 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 watermelon, as sold on this basis in the completed watermelon 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:watermelon-29f4be173265:ec3f87a9f369

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 watermelon U reference · Watermelon, frozen

Reference and scope

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

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

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

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

Methods

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

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

Limitations

FDA Total Diet Study is the only compatible sampling family for watermelon, frozen on this basis in the completed watermelon 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:watermelon-d0667d2e11a0:09ab5d857e1e

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 watermelon Co reference · Watermelon, as sold

Reference and scope

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

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

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Guerra et al. 2012	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for watermelon, 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

Guerra et al. 2012 is the only compatible sampling family for watermelon, as sold on this basis in the completed watermelon 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

Guerra et al. 2012

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:watermelon-83793adb50e3:195231b1136b

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 watermelon

No study in the library compared watermelon 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 watermelon, as sold pools 45 subgroup units from 2 sampling families, with a median of between 160 and 170 µg/kg and a middle half spanning below 5 (lower quartile) and 170 µg/kg (upper quartile).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{5Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →} For lead in watermelon, frozen, the reference median was below 4 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 4 to below 4 µg/kg across 28 units.^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{11Spungen JH, et al. · 2024Infants’ and young children’s dietary exposures to lead and cadmium: FDA total diet study 2018-2020Food Additives & Contaminants: Part ARead source →} For cadmium in watermelon, as sold, the reference median was 20 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 2.5 to 20 µg/kg across 44 units.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{5Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}

In one study, lead across 20 groups of watermelon ranged from 10 µg/kg (L6 site) to 110 µg/kg (L10 site); the lowest is the lowest observed in that study, not an established sourcing preference.^{7Elbagory M, Abd El-Aziz MA, Omara AED, Abou Fayssal S, Kumar V · 2025Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Four Melon Fruit Varieties Grown in the Ganges and Yamuna River BasinHorticulturaeRead source →} In another study, lead across 5 groups of watermelon ranged from 120 µg/kg (Ketu market (Ikosi/Isheri)) to 140 µg/kg (Iyana-Ipaja market (Alimosho)); the lowest is the lowest observed in that study, not an established sourcing preference.^{12Rotimi OT, Ogunyebi AL, Fingesi TS · 2018Evaluation of Heavy Metals Level and Proximate Analysis of Common Fruits from Selected Markets in Lagos, NigeriaJournal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, Vol. 22 (5) 791-795Read source →}

Processing, cooking and preparation

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

Mitigation for watermelon

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 watermelon for metals

Results depend on the method and its reporting limit. Reporting limits for lead ranged from 1 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 3,000 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food), so a non-detect from a less sensitive method says much less.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} Reporting limits for cadmium ranged from 0.3 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 1,000 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 total arsenic ranged from 0.03 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 120 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 →}

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

Buying and verifying watermelon

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

Exposure from watermelon

No source in the library converted watermelon 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 watermelon was decided on its content: 20 occurrence extracted, 20 records in all. The occurrence table renders every extracted result; held values remain visible with their reason.

References identify the sources used in these answers. The Sources index preserves additional discovery links; inclusion there does not mean a source has been reviewed for this assessment. Corrections, completed searches, new direct evidence and changes in requirements should reopen the relevant answer.

Watermelon FAQs

What heavy metals are found in watermelon?

The library reports lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, As and Mg in watermelon, 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 →}^{4Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →} WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in watermelon, as sold from 628 results in 5 reporting regions, with a subgroup median of 30 µg/kg.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

Which origins or products of watermelon measured lowest?

In one study, lead across 20 groups of watermelon ranged from 10 µg/kg (L6 site) to 110 µg/kg (L10 site); the lowest is the lowest observed in that study, not an established sourcing preference.^{7Elbagory M, Abd El-Aziz MA, Omara AED, Abou Fayssal S, Kumar V · 2025Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Four Melon Fruit Varieties Grown in the Ganges and Yamuna River BasinHorticulturaeRead source →} In another study, lead across 5 groups of watermelon ranged from 120 µg/kg (Ketu market (Ikosi/Isheri)) to 140 µg/kg (Iyana-Ipaja market (Alimosho)); the lowest is the lowest observed in that study, not an established sourcing preference.^{12Rotimi OT, Ogunyebi AL, Fingesi TS · 2018Evaluation of Heavy Metals Level and Proximate Analysis of Common Fruits from Selected Markets in Lagos, NigeriaJournal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, Vol. 22 (5) 791-795Read source →}

How much of the arsenic in watermelon is inorganic?

Inorganic arsenic, the more toxic form, was measured in 3 results from 3 sources, far fewer than total arsenic.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{13Centre for Food Safety FEHD HKSAR · 2012The First Hong Kong Total Diet Study: Inorganic ArsenicCentre for Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative RegionRead source →}^{14European 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 1.5 µg/kg (mean) in watermelon, as sold from European dietary-survey occurrence data.^{14European 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
Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaBora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, et al. · Horticulturae · 2022 · doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8111034Peer-reviewed
Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthGuerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, and Canniatti-Brazaca SG · Scientia Agricola 69(1):54-60 · 2012 · doi.org/10.1590/s0103-90162012000100008Peer-reviewed
Level of heavy metals in sliced watermelon fruits in selected markets in Akure, NigeriaOladele OO and Aladesanmi OC · Bulletin of the National Research Centre (2020) 44:102 · 2020 · doi.org/10.1186/s42269-020-00356-2Peer-reviewed
Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Four Melon Fruit Varieties Grown in the Ganges and Yamuna River BasinElbagory M, Abd El-Aziz MA, Omara AED, Abou Fayssal S, and Kumar V · Horticulturae · 2025 · doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020216Peer-reviewed
Monitoring of Heavy Metal Content in Fruits and Vegetables Collected from Production and Market Sites in the Misurata Area of LibyaElbagermi MA, Edwards HGM, and Alajtal AI · ISRN Analytical Chemistry · 2012 · doi.org/10.5402/2012/827645Peer-reviewed
Assessment of Lead and Cadmium Levels in Watermelon and CarrotSharafati Chaleshtori Reza and Jadi Zahra · Iranian Journal of Toxicology · 2019 · doi.org/10.32598/ijt.13.4.585.1Peer-reviewed
Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals from Selected Fruits and Vegetables Sold in Dutse Ultra-Modern Market, Jigawa StateUba G, Abdulhadi Y, Lawan MA, Ahmad A, and Kabir A · Journal of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology 10(2):52-55 · 2022 · doi.org/10.54987/jobimb.v10i2.758Peer-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
Evaluation of Heavy Metals Level and Proximate Analysis of Common Fruits from Selected Markets in Lagos, NigeriaRotimi OT, Ogunyebi AL, and Fingesi TS · Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, Vol. 22 (5) 791-795 · 2018 · doi.org/10.4314/jasem.v22i5.34Peer-reviewed
The First Hong Kong Total Diet Study: Inorganic ArsenicCentre for Food Safety FEHD HKSAR · Centre for Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region · 2012 · www.cfs.gov.hkGovernment
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 Watermelon 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 watermelon record in the library: 20 occurrence sources, references by form and basis, same-study contrasts.

Referenced by

Fruits

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Food and Drug Administration

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Food Additives

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European Food Safety Authority

Heavy metals in Watermelon

Watermelon overview

What counts as watermelon

Heavy metal contamination profile of watermelon

How metals reach watermelon

Which forms and regions measured lower

Processing, cooking and preparation

Mitigation for watermelon

Trade-offs and limits of controls

Testing watermelon for metals

Buying and verifying watermelon

Exposure from watermelon

Evidence review and remaining gaps

Watermelon FAQs

References

Sources

Update history

Related ingredients

Referenced by

Graph View