Heavy metals in White sugar

Quick read

White sugar in the HMI library has 404 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, methylmercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, Se, Ba, Ca, K, Mg, Sr and Tl from 29 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 →}^{3Alcívar M, Vinueza E, Pernía B, Álvarez-Montero X, Gallardo A · 2024Contamination by Cadmium and Lead in Sugarcane and Its Derived Products in EcuadorAgriculture 2024, 14, 2121Read source →}^{4Angelon-Gaetz KA, Klaus C, Chaudhry EA, Bean DK · 2018Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly ReportRead source →}^{5Babeker AM, Ahmed AR, Mastafa GI, Abdalla AA, Bakur A · 2022Determination of some heavy metals and microbial profile of raw Sugar samples collected from Sudanese Sugar Industries in season 2017 in relation to EU.1998 and ICUMSA,1974 standardsInternational Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology 8(3): 202-208Read source →}^{6Bekele EE · 2024Determination of Selected Toxic Heavy Metals and Analysis of Proximate Composition in White Sugar Manufactured from the Omo Kuraz Sugar Factory in EthiopiaResearch Square (preprint, posted 29 February 2024)Read source →}

Metals measured:
Lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury and methylmercury and others, in 404 results from 29 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 →}^{3Alcívar M, Vinueza E, Pernía B, Álvarez-Montero X, Gallardo A · 2024Contamination by Cadmium and Lead in Sugarcane and Its Derived Products in EcuadorAgriculture 2024, 14, 2121Read source →}^{4Angelon-Gaetz KA, Klaus C, Chaudhry EA, Bean DK · 2018Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly ReportRead source →}
Main drivers:
White sugar, as sold from commercial sample S1 had lead higher at 919 µg/kg, against 426 µg/kg for commercial sample S1 in the same study.^{7Topraksever N · 2026Multi-Element Characterization and Sustainability Assessment of Traditional Turkish Red Sugar Using Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction and ICP-MSFoods 2026, 15, 3719Read 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 →}^{3Alcívar M, Vinueza E, Pernía B, Álvarez-Montero X, Gallardo A · 2024Contamination by Cadmium and Lead in Sugarcane and Its Derived Products in EcuadorAgriculture 2024, 14, 2121Read source →}^{4Angelon-Gaetz KA, Klaus C, Chaudhry EA, Bean DK · 2018Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly ReportRead source →}

White sugar overview

White sugar in the HMI library has 404 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, methylmercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, Se, Ba, Ca, K, Mg, Sr and Tl from 29 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 →}^{3Alcívar M, Vinueza E, Pernía B, Álvarez-Montero X, Gallardo A · 2024Contamination by Cadmium and Lead in Sugarcane and Its Derived Products in EcuadorAgriculture 2024, 14, 2121Read source →}^{4Angelon-Gaetz KA, Klaus C, Chaudhry EA, Bean DK · 2018Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly ReportRead source →}^{5Babeker AM, Ahmed AR, Mastafa GI, Abdalla AA, Bakur A · 2022Determination of some heavy metals and microbial profile of raw Sugar samples collected from Sudanese Sugar Industries in season 2017 in relation to EU.1998 and ICUMSA,1974 standardsInternational Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology 8(3): 202-208Read source →}^{6Bekele EE · 2024Determination of Selected Toxic Heavy Metals and Analysis of Proximate Composition in White Sugar Manufactured from the Omo Kuraz Sugar Factory in EthiopiaResearch Square (preprint, posted 29 February 2024)Read source →} WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in white sugar, as sold from 3,255 results in 5 reporting regions, with subgroup medians from 5.3 to 82 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, white sugar, as sold had a median lead result below 4 µg/kg across 3 composites from 2018–2020.^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}

Across 5 other studies of ordinary farms and markets, reported lead means and medians on an as-sold or fresh-weight basis ranged from 26 µg/kg (Marín et al. 2018) to 6,740 µg/kg (Babeker et al. 2022).^{5Babeker AM, Ahmed AR, Mastafa GI, Abdalla AA, Bakur A · 2022Determination of some heavy metals and microbial profile of raw Sugar samples collected from Sudanese Sugar Industries in season 2017 in relation to EU.1998 and ICUMSA,1974 standardsInternational Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology 8(3): 202-208Read source →}^{8Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, Font G, Yusà V · 2018Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670Read source →} For cadmium, 2 studies on an as-sold or fresh-weight basis reported means and medians from 217 µg/kg (Bekele 2024) to 620 µg/kg (Babeker et al. 2022).^{5Babeker AM, Ahmed AR, Mastafa GI, Abdalla AA, Bakur A · 2022Determination of some heavy metals and microbial profile of raw Sugar samples collected from Sudanese Sugar Industries in season 2017 in relation to EU.1998 and ICUMSA,1974 standardsInternational Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology 8(3): 202-208Read source →}^{6Bekele EE · 2024Determination of Selected Toxic Heavy Metals and Analysis of Proximate Composition in White Sugar Manufactured from the Omo Kuraz Sugar Factory in EthiopiaResearch Square (preprint, posted 29 February 2024)Read source →} Higher results came from contaminated or exposed settings rather than ordinary supply. White sugar, as sold from commercial sample S4 had chromium higher at 227 µg/kg, against 4.63 µg/kg for commercial sample S2 in the same study.^{7Topraksever N · 2026Multi-Element Characterization and Sustainability Assessment of Traditional Turkish Red Sugar Using Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction and ICP-MSFoods 2026, 15, 3719Read source →}

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

What counts as white sugar

This page covers white sugar in 2 forms kept separate in every comparison: white sugar, as sold (403 results) and white sugar, 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 →}^{3Alcívar M, Vinueza E, Pernía B, Álvarez-Montero X, Gallardo A · 2024Contamination by Cadmium and Lead in Sugarcane and Its Derived Products in EcuadorAgriculture 2024, 14, 2121Read source →}^{4Angelon-Gaetz KA, Klaus C, Chaudhry EA, Bean DK · 2018Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly ReportRead source →}^{5Babeker AM, Ahmed AR, Mastafa GI, Abdalla AA, Bakur A · 2022Determination of some heavy metals and microbial profile of raw Sugar samples collected from Sudanese Sugar Industries in season 2017 in relation to EU.1998 and ICUMSA,1974 standardsInternational Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology 8(3): 202-208Read source →}^{6Bekele EE · 2024Determination of Selected Toxic Heavy Metals and Analysis of Proximate Composition in White Sugar Manufactured from the Omo Kuraz Sugar Factory in EthiopiaResearch Square (preprint, posted 29 February 2024)Read 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.

Non-centrifugal cane sugar (NCS), sold under names including rapadura (Brazil), panela (Colombia and Ecuador), and jaggery (South Asia), is a distinct artisanal product made by evaporating clarified sugarcane juice without centrifugation to remove molasses. It retains minerals, organic acids, and inorganic contaminants present in the whole-cane matrix, and its contamination profile cannot be inferred from refined white sugar data. Milani et al. 2025 measured lead, cadmium, and total arsenic in 72 NCS samples purchased from local markets in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru using ICP-OES after ultrasound acid digestion: lead was detected and quantified in all 72 samples (range 65 to 122 µg/kg, dry weight as sold), cadmium was detected in 31 percent of samples (up to 45 µg/kg), and total arsenic was below the limit of quantification (LOQ 37 µg/kg) in all samples.^{17Milani RF, Rodrigues JL, Henao Toro SJ, Mauri AA, Bragotto APA, Morgano MA · 2025Inorganic Contaminants in Rapadura from Latin AmericaFoods 2025, 14, 3285Read source →} Evidence from NCS is treated as context for understanding cane-derived contamination pathways rather than as a direct measure of refined white sugar contamination.

Heavy metal contamination profile of white sugar

The table holds every extracted white sugar result: one row for each statistic a source reports for a form, group and metal, 404 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 →}^{3Alcívar M, Vinueza E, Pernía B, Álvarez-Montero X, Gallardo A · 2024Contamination by Cadmium and Lead in Sugarcane and Its Derived Products in EcuadorAgriculture 2024, 14, 2121Read source →}^{4Angelon-Gaetz KA, Klaus C, Chaudhry EA, Bean DK · 2018Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly ReportRead source →}^{5Babeker AM, Ahmed AR, Mastafa GI, Abdalla AA, Bakur A · 2022Determination of some heavy metals and microbial profile of raw Sugar samples collected from Sudanese Sugar Industries in season 2017 in relation to EU.1998 and ICUMSA,1974 standardsInternational Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology 8(3): 202-208Read source →}^{6Bekele EE · 2024Determination of Selected Toxic Heavy Metals and Analysis of Proximate Composition in White Sugar Manufactured from the Omo Kuraz Sugar Factory in EthiopiaResearch Square (preprint, posted 29 February 2024)Read 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 →}

97 rows can be rated against an HMI reference for the same form and basis, 19 rows have a direct same-study comparison, and the rest stay unrated with the reason recorded. 1 value from 1 source failed a check against their own source and are shown but not compared.^{9Grembecka M, Szefer P · 2012Differentiation of Confectionery Products Based on Mineral CompositionFood Analytical Methods 2012, 5: 250-259Read source →}

Comparison methods and scope

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

353 of 353 findings · 25 analytes

About this table

Food formCollection scopeFindingComparisonEvidence

White sugar 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)

68 findings · 18 studies · 4 spread figures folded in
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	AFRO2018	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2004–2019	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2005–2007	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2004–2019	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2010	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2001–2019	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2018	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2015–2018	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2014	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013–2014	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013–2018	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2019–2020	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2000–2019	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	SEARO2011–2021	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2008	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2013	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005–2018	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2001–2008	median.
White sugar, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
White sugar, as soldAlcívar et al. 2024	retail brand 1, Quito and Guayaquil retailCollection date unreported	mean.
White sugar, as soldAlcívar et al. 2024	retail brand 1, Quito and Guayaquil retailCollection date unreported	mean.
White sugar, as soldAlcívar et al. 2024	retail brand 2, Quito and Guayaquil retailCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldAlcívar et al. 2024	retail brand 2, Quito and Guayaquil retailCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldAlcívar et al. 2024	retail brand 3, Quito and Guayaquil retailCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldAlcívar et al. 2024	retail brand 3, Quito and Guayaquil retailCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldAngelon-Gaetz et al. 2018	home investigations for children with elevated blood lead2011–2018	mean.
White sugar, as soldBabeker et al. 2022	all six sugar factories2017	mean.
White sugar, as soldBabeker et al. 2022	Sudanese sugar factory C (one of six)2017	max.
White sugar, as soldBabeker et al. 2022	Sudanese sugar factory D (one of six)2017	min.
White sugar, as soldBekele 2024	average of five production batches 2019-20232019–2023	mean.
White sugar, as soldBekele 2024	production batch 2019, Omo Kuraz sugar factory2019–2023	mean.
White sugar, as soldBekele 2024	production batch 2020, Omo Kuraz sugar factory2019–2023	mean.
White sugar, as soldBekele 2024	production batch 2021, Omo Kuraz sugar factory2019–2023	mean.
White sugar, as soldBekele 2024	production batch 2022, Omo Kuraz sugar factory2019–2023	mean.
White sugar, as soldBekele 2024	production batch 2023, Omo Kuraz sugar factory2019–2023	mean.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	mean.Same samples: 21.1 µg/kg (minimum); 33 µg/kg (maximum)
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	min.
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	max.
White sugar, as soldMunilla et al. 2023	factory, raw materialCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldSpungen et al. 2024	all samples2018–2020	not detected.
White sugar, as soldStojanović et al. 2021	ingredient for canned meatballs in tomato sauceCollection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S1Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S1Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S2Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S2Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S3Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S3Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S4Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S4Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S5Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S5Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2016–2018Basis not stated	median.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_552014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_612014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	median.
White sugar, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	mean.Same samples: 21.5 µg/kg (maximum)
White sugar, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	min.
White sugar, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	max.
White sugar, as soldlyu 2022	national2016–2019Basis not stated	mean.Same samples: 0.4–75 µg/kg (range)
White sugar, as soldlyu 2022	national2016–2019Basis not stated	range.
White sugar, as soldWang et al. 2020	all samples (both areas)2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldWang et al. 2020	Other (non-Songhua) area2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldWang et al. 2020	Songhua River basin area2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldZhao et al. 2022	national mean of 24 provincial composites2016–2019Basis not stated	mean.
1 finding · 1 study
White sugar, juiceWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2015	median.

65 findings · 20 studies · 1 spread figure folded in
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	AFRO2018	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2019	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2004	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2019	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2009	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2007	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2006	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2001–2019	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2018	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2006–2018	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO1999–2018	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2003–2017	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005–2014	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2001–2008	median.
White sugar, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
White sugar, as soldAlcívar et al. 2024	retail brand 1, Quito and Guayaquil retailCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldAlcívar et al. 2024	retail brand 1, Quito and Guayaquil retailCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldAlcívar et al. 2024	retail brand 2, Quito and Guayaquil retailCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldAlcívar et al. 2024	retail brand 2, Quito and Guayaquil retailCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldAlcívar et al. 2024	retail brand 3, Quito and Guayaquil retailCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldAlcívar et al. 2024	retail brand 3, Quito and Guayaquil retailCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldBabeker et al. 2022	all six sugar factories2017	mean.
White sugar, as soldBabeker et al. 2022	Sudanese sugar factory A (one of six)2017	max.
White sugar, as soldBabeker et al. 2022	Sudanese sugar factory E (one of six)2017	min.
White sugar, as soldBekele 2024	average of five production batches 2019-20232019–2023	mean.
White sugar, as soldBekele 2024	production batch 2019, Omo Kuraz sugar factory2019–2023	mean.
White sugar, as soldBekele 2024	production batch 2020, Omo Kuraz sugar factory2019–2023	mean.
White sugar, as soldBekele 2024	production batch 2021, Omo Kuraz sugar factory2019–2023	mean.
White sugar, as soldBekele 2024	production batch 2022, Omo Kuraz sugar factory2019–2023	mean.
White sugar, as soldBekele 2024	production batch 2023, Omo Kuraz sugar factory2019–2023	mean.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	not detected.
White sugar, as soldSpungen et al. 2024	all samples2018–2020	not detected.
White sugar, as soldStojanović et al. 2021	ingredient for canned meatballs in tomato sauceCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S1Collection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S1Collection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S2Collection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S2Collection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S3Collection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S3Collection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S4Collection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S4Collection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S5Collection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S5Collection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EMRO2019Dry weight	median.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_552014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_612014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	median.
White sugar, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	min.
White sugar, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	5 city composites1986–1988Basis not stated	max.
White sugar, as soldEuropean Food Safety Authority 2012	all samples (EU Member State submissions)2003–2011Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldEuropean Food Safety Authority 2012	all samples (EU Member State submissions)2003–2011Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldJoint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives 2011	China (total diet study) data submission2002–2009Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldJoint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives 2022	GEMS/Food contaminants database2011Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldlyu 2022	national2016–2019Basis not stated	mean.Same samples: 0.1–49 µg/kg (range)
White sugar, as soldlyu 2022	national2016–2019Basis not stated	range.
White sugar, as soldSuzuki-Inoue et al. 2024	supermarkets1979–1980Basis not stated	geometric mean.
White sugar, as soldWang et al. 2020	all samples (both areas)2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldWang et al. 2020	Other (non-Songhua) area2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldWang et al. 2020	Songhua River basin area2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldZhao et al. 2022	national mean of 24 provincial composites2016–2019Basis not stated	mean.

30 findings · 8 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	AFRO2018	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2015	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2021	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2022	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2023	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2015	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2018–2023	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2021–2023	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2018	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2015–2023	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2019–2021	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2023	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2014–2023	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005–2014	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2001–2008	median.
White sugar, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
White sugar, as soldBabeker et al. 2022	all six sugar factories2017	mean.
White sugar, as soldBabeker et al. 2022	Sudanese sugar factory A (one of six)2017	min.
White sugar, as soldBabeker et al. 2022	Sudanese sugar factory B (one of six)2017	sample value.
White sugar, as soldBabeker et al. 2022	Sudanese sugar factory C (one of six)2017	max.
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	mean.Same samples: 14.3 µg/kg (minimum); 22.5 µg/kg (maximum)
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	min.
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	max.
White sugar, as soldStojanović et al. 2021	ingredient for canned meatballs in tomato sauceCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldVentura et al. 2025	pooled TDS sample2014–2016	sample value.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_552014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_612014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldWang et al. 2020	all samples (both areas)2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldWang et al. 2020	Other (non-Songhua) area2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldWang et al. 2020	Songhua River basin area2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.

12 findings · 5 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2021	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010–2011	median.
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	mean.Same samples: 1 µg/kg (minimum); 9.1 µg/kg (maximum)
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	min.
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	max.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_552014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_612014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldCentre for Food Safety FEHD HKSAR 2012	all samples (4 sampling occasions, composites)2010–2011Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 2014	European dietary-survey occurrence data2003–2013Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 2014	European dietary-survey occurrence data2003–2013Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 2014	European dietary-survey occurrence data2003–2013Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 2014	European dietary-survey occurrence data2003–2013Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 2014	European dietary-survey occurrence data2003–2013Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 2014	European dietary-survey occurrence data2003–2013Basis not stated	mean.

28 findings · 7 studies · 9 spread figures folded in
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	AFRO2018	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2005–2013	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2004–2017	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2010	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2001–2018	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2011–2017	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005–2014	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2001–2008	median.
White sugar, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
White sugar, as soldBabeker et al. 2022	all six sugar factories2017	mean.
White sugar, as soldBabeker et al. 2022	Sudanese sugar factory A (one of six)2017	sample value.
White sugar, as soldBabeker et al. 2022	Sudanese sugar factory B (one of six)2017	sample value.
White sugar, as soldBabeker et al. 2022	Sudanese sugar factory C (one of six)2017	sample value.
White sugar, as soldBabeker et al. 2022	Sudanese sugar factory D (one of six)2017	not detected.
White sugar, as soldBabeker et al. 2022	Sudanese sugar factory E (one of six)2017	not detected.
White sugar, as soldBabeker et al. 2022	Sudanese sugar factory F (one of six)2017	not detected.
White sugar, as soldDabeka et al. 2003	Ottawa composite (retail Oct-Nov 2000)1998–2000	not detected.
White sugar, as soldDabeka et al. 2003	Whitehorse composite (retail Jan-Feb 1998)1998–2000	not detected.
White sugar, as soldStojanović et al. 2021	ingredient for canned meatballs in tomato sauceCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_552014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_612014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2012	EU occurrence data2004–2011Basis not stated	median.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2012	EU occurrence data2004–2011Basis not stated	median.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2012	EU occurrence data2004–2011Basis not stated	median.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2012	EU occurrence data2004–2011Basis not stated	mean.Same samples: 16 µg/kg (maximum); 0.3 µg/kg (maximum); 3 µg/kg (maximum); 2.1 µg/kg (percentile); 3.3 µg/kg (percentile); 16 µg/kg (percentile); 0.8 µg/kg (percentile); 3 µg/kg (percentile)
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2012	EU occurrence data2004–2011Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2012	EU occurrence data2004–2011Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2012	EU occurrence data2004–2011Basis not stated	max.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2012	EU occurrence data2004–2011Basis not stated	max.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2012	EU occurrence data2004–2011Basis not stated	max.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2012	EU occurrence data2004–2011Basis not stated	percentile.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2012	EU occurrence data2004–2011Basis not stated	percentile.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2012	EU occurrence data2004–2011Basis not stated	percentile.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2012	EU occurrence data2004–2011Basis not stated	percentile.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2012	EU occurrence data2004–2011Basis not stated	percentile.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2012	EU occurrence data2004–2011Basis not stated	percentile.

1 finding · 1 study
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2016	median.

14 findings · 6 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
White sugar, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2015	EU Member State submissions to EFSA, all samples (LB)2003–2012	mean.Same samples: 66 µg/kg (percentile)
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2015	EU Member State submissions to EFSA, all samples (LB)2003–2012	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2015	EU Member State submissions to EFSA, all samples (LB)2003–2012	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2015	EU Member State submissions to EFSA, all samples (LB)2003–2012	percentile.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2015	EU Member State submissions to EFSA, all samples (UB)2003–2012	mean.Same samples: 1,100 µg/kg (percentile)
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2015	EU Member State submissions to EFSA, all samples (UB)2003–2012	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2015	EU Member State submissions to EFSA, all samples (UB)2003–2012	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2015	EU Member State submissions to EFSA, all samples (UB)2003–2012	percentile.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_552014–2015Basis not stated	sample value.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_612014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	Montreal composite1986–1988Basis not stated	sample value.

32 findings · 6 studies · 3 spread figures folded in
White sugar, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, LB2000–2013	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, LB2000–2013	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, LB2000–2013	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, LB2000–2013	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, LB2000–2013	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, LB2000–2013	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, LB2000–2013	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, UB2000–2013	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, UB2000–2013	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, UB2000–2013	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, UB2000–2013	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, UB2000–2013	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, UB2000–2013	mean.
White sugar, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, UB2000–2013	mean.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 300 µg/kg (maximum)
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	min.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	max.
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	mean.Same samples: 25 µg/kg (minimum); 124 µg/kg (maximum)
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	min.
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	max.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S1Collection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S1Collection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S2Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S2Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S3Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S3Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S4Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S4Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S5Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S5Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_552014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_612014–2015Basis not stated	sample value.

7 findings · 4 studies
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_552014–2015Basis not stated	sample value.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_612014–2015Basis not stated	sample value.
White sugar, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldWang et al. 2020	all samples (both areas)2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldWang et al. 2020	Other (non-Songhua) area2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.
White sugar, as soldWang et al. 2020	Songhua River basin area2015–2016Basis not stated	mean.

6 findings · 4 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2008	median.
White sugar, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2005–2011	median.
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	mean.Same samples: 11.9 µg/kg (minimum); 22.9 µg/kg (maximum)
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	min.
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	max.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_552014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_612014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	not detected.

3 findings · 2 studies
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_552014–2015Basis not stated	sample value.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_612014–2015Basis not stated	sample value.
White sugar, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.

1 finding · 1 study
White sugar, as soldFDA Total Diet Study	1 collection regions2018–2020	median.

5 findings · 3 studies
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldVentura et al. 2025	pooled TDS sample2014–2016	sample value.
White sugar, as soldDabeka et al. 1995	Montreal composite1986–1988Basis not stated	sample value.

14 findings · 3 studies · 8 spread figures folded in
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 300 µg/kg (minimum); 100 µg/kg (minimum); 300 µg/kg (maximum); 100 µg/kg (maximum); 400 µg/kg (maximum)
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	mean.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	mean.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	min.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	min.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	min.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	max.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	max.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	max.
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	mean.Same samples: 37 µg/kg (minimum); 534 µg/kg (maximum)
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	min.
White sugar, as soldMarín et al. 2018	Sweeteners and condiments group2010–2011	max.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S1Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S1Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S2Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S2Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S3Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S3Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S4Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S4Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S5Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S5Collection date unreported	sample value.

13 findings · 2 studies · 6 spread figures folded in
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 2,900 µg/kg (minimum); 200 µg/kg (minimum); 5,100 µg/kg (minimum); 3,500 µg/kg (maximum); 300 µg/kg (maximum); 17,600 µg/kg (maximum)
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	mean.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	mean.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	min.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	min.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	min.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	max.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	max.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	max.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S1Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S1Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S2Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S2Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S3Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S3Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S4Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S4Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S5Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S5Collection date unreported	sample value.

13 findings · 2 studies · 6 spread figures folded in
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 30 µg/kg (minimum); 30 µg/kg (maximum); 1,300 µg/kg (maximum)
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	mean.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	mean.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	min.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	min.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	min.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	max.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	max.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	max.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S1Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S1Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S2Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S2Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S3Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S3Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S4Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S4Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S5Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S5Collection date unreported	sample value.

3 findings · 1 study · 6 spread figures folded in
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 200 µg/kg (minimum); 400 µg/kg (minimum); 200 µg/kg (maximum); 400 µg/kg (maximum); 800 µg/kg (maximum)
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	mean.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	mean.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	min.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	min.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	min.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	max.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	max.
White sugar, as soldGrembecka et al. 2012	all samplesCollection date unreported	max.

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

1 finding · 1 study
White sugar, as soldVentura et al. 2025	pooled TDS sample2014–2016	sample value.

2 findings · 1 study
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_552014–2015Basis not stated	sample value.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_612014–2015Basis not stated	sample value.

10 findings · 1 study
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S1Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S1Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S2Collection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S2Collection date unreported	not detected.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S3Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S3Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S4Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S4Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S5Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S5Collection date unreported	sample value.

10 findings · 1 study
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S1Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S1Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S2Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S2Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S3Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S3Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S4Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S4Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S5Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S5Collection date unreported	sample value.

10 findings · 1 study
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S1Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S1Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S2Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S2Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S3Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S3Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S4Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S4Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S5Collection date unreported	sample value.
White sugar, as soldTopraksever 2026	commercial sample S5Collection date unreported	sample value.

1 finding · 1 study
White sugar, as soldVentura et al. 2025	pooled TDS sample2014–2016	sample value.

2 findings · 1 study
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_552014–2015Basis not stated	not detected.
White sugar, as soldBaxter et al. 2015	food category composite 10_612014–2015Basis not stated	sample value.

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 white sugar Pb reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar Pb reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	≤4	≤20	20–100 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤4	≤20	20–100 (bounded)

122 reference units; 7 sampling families. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	100	14%
FDA Total Diet Study	3	14%
Alcívar et al. 2024	4	14%
Grembecka et al. 2012	3	14%
Spungen et al. 2024	1	14%
Stojanović et al. 2021	1	14%
Topraksever 2026	10	14%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for white sugar, 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

7 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:white-sugar-e0e88f4d0b76:d2c57ab2f9bd

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 white sugar Pb reference · White sugar, as sold, basis not stated

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar Pb reference · White sugar, as sold, basis not stated. White sugar, 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	≤3	≤3	≤3
Alternative weighting	≤3	≤3	≤3

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 white sugar, 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 white sugar, as sold on this basis in the completed white sugar 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:white-sugar-c5a403050467:1afd77eafc9d

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 white sugar Pb reference · White sugar, juice

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar Pb reference · White sugar, juice. White sugar, 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	≤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 white sugar, 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 white sugar, juice on this basis in the completed white sugar 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:white-sugar-cef06c5cb42f:1b81fbce123a

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 white sugar Cd reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar Cd reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	≤0.659	≤1	≤30
Alternative weighting	≤0.659	≤1	≤30

116 reference units; 7 sampling families. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	92	14%
FDA Total Diet Study	3	14%
Alcívar et al. 2024	6	14%
Grembecka et al. 2012	3	14%
Spungen et al. 2024	1	14%
Stojanović et al. 2021	1	14%
Topraksever 2026	10	14%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for white sugar, 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

7 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:white-sugar-e5ef8bf2d73a:bbf7cc9d2bd2

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 white sugar Cd reference · White sugar, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	23	23	23
Alternative weighting	23	23	23

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 white sugar, 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 white sugar, as sold on this basis in the completed white sugar 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:white-sugar-454a5f067b68:5ee64b08d206

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 white sugar tAs reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar tAs reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	≤12	13.7–47.5 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤3	≤12	14–42 (bounded)

54 reference units; 5 sampling families. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	48	20%
FDA Total Diet Study	3	20%
Babeker et al. 2022	1	20%
Stojanović et al. 2021	1	20%
Ventura et al. 2025	1	20%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for white sugar, 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

5 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:white-sugar-246487571889:6c9713e5ec9d

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 white sugar iAs reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar iAs reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	40
Alternative weighting	≤3	≤3	40

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 white sugar, 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 white sugar, as sold on this basis in the completed white sugar 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:white-sugar-a856227a6c7b:8d73c4112fb1

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 white sugar tHg reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar tHg reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	≤0.36	≤1	≤5
Alternative weighting	≤0.3	≤1	≤5

50 reference units; 5 sampling families. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	41	20%
FDA Total Diet Study	3	20%
Babeker et al. 2022	3	20%
Dabeka et al. 2003	2	20%
Stojanović et al. 2021	1	20%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for white sugar, 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

5 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:white-sugar-471eeafb89fb:148096ae95ca

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 white sugar MeHg reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar MeHg reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, as sold; As sold, as eaten or fresh weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

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

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 white sugar, 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 white sugar, as sold on this basis in the completed white sugar 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:white-sugar-f8ab0192178a:d9ec9ff0e59c

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 white sugar Ni reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar Ni reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	≤40	≤120	≤200
Alternative weighting	≤40	≤120	≤200

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	3	50%
Grembecka et al. 2012	3	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for white sugar, 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:white-sugar-53d4db021ad0:f52521e30190

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 white sugar Cr reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar Cr reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	≤42.7	≤50	4.46–200 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤42.7	≤50	4.46–200 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA Total Diet Study	3	33%
Grembecka et al. 2012	2	33%
Topraksever 2026	10	33%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for white sugar, 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

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

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:white-sugar-8a2c8b8d7bdb:86aa947bba32

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 white sugar Al reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar Al reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	1250	1720	2180
Alternative weighting	1250	1720	2180

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 white sugar, 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 white sugar, as sold on this basis in the completed white sugar 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:white-sugar-d0fc847f581f:3d5c6aef5da5

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 white sugar Sn reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar Sn reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	≤60	515
Alternative weighting	≤10	≤60	515

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

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

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for white sugar, 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 white sugar, as sold on this basis in the completed white sugar 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:white-sugar-a72e689ef02f:d48410bfc29d

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 white sugar U reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar U reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	≤1	≤1
Alternative weighting	≤1	≤1	≤1

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

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

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for white sugar, 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

FDA Total Diet Study is the only compatible sampling family for white sugar, as sold on this basis in the completed white sugar 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:white-sugar-d55efb7b3e22:f63063fa6fe4

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 white sugar Co reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar Co reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	≤12	≤56	≤100
Alternative weighting	≤12	≤56	≤100

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Grembecka et al. 2012	3	50%
Ventura et al. 2025	1	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for white sugar, 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:white-sugar-661fc7046fbd:927eecf4f9db

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 white sugar Cu reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar Cu reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	3300	5140	5670
Alternative weighting	3300	5140	5670

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Topraksever 2026	10	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for white sugar, 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

Topraksever 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for white sugar, as sold on this basis in the completed white sugar 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

Topraksever 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:white-sugar-b7b4b3dfdbef:ac5d669a06c0

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 white sugar Fe reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar Fe reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	2900	4260	5900
Alternative weighting	2900	4260	5900

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Topraksever 2026	10	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for white sugar, 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

Topraksever 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for white sugar, as sold on this basis in the completed white sugar 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

Topraksever 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:white-sugar-a7e63c393174:05467395a8d9

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 white sugar Mn reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar Mn reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	214	355	453
Alternative weighting	214	355	453

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Topraksever 2026	10	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for white sugar, 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

Topraksever 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for white sugar, as sold on this basis in the completed white sugar 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

Topraksever 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:white-sugar-67b794ba576f:f5134348a28d

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 white sugar Se reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar Se reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	≤24	≤24	≤24
Alternative weighting	≤24	≤24	≤24

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Ventura et al. 2025	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for white sugar, 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

Ventura et al. 2025 is the only compatible sampling family for white sugar, as sold on this basis in the completed white sugar 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

Ventura et al. 2025

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:white-sugar-32315225daeb:bdc0a0c84907

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 white sugar Ca reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar Ca reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	19100	20600	52200
Alternative weighting	19100	20600	52200

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Topraksever 2026	10	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for white sugar, 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

Topraksever 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for white sugar, as sold on this basis in the completed white sugar 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

Topraksever 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:white-sugar-0e6babb6864c:1ae0e55363de

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 white sugar K reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar K reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	34900	42000	52500
Alternative weighting	34900	42000	52500

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Topraksever 2026	10	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for white sugar, 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

Topraksever 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for white sugar, as sold on this basis in the completed white sugar 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

Topraksever 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:white-sugar-fa29bc7b16ec:5eccc9ef9fe5

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 white sugar Mg reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar Mg reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	8100	12900	17600
Alternative weighting	8100	12900	17600

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Topraksever 2026	10	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for white sugar, 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

Topraksever 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for white sugar, as sold on this basis in the completed white sugar 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

Topraksever 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:white-sugar-c55d77f80208:035aa41e0c31

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 white sugar Sr reference · White sugar, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI white sugar Sr reference · White sugar, as sold. White sugar, 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	87	87	87
Alternative weighting	87	87	87

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Ventura et al. 2025	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for white sugar, 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

Ventura et al. 2025 is the only compatible sampling family for white sugar, as sold on this basis in the completed white sugar 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

Ventura et al. 2025

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:white-sugar-d901e8964994:7348227112a9

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 white sugar

The evidence on how metals reach white sugar comes from studies that compared exposed and ordinary settings. White sugar, as sold from commercial sample S4 had chromium higher at 227 µg/kg, against 4.63 µg/kg for commercial sample S2 in the same study.^{7Topraksever N · 2026Multi-Element Characterization and Sustainability Assessment of Traditional Turkish Red Sugar Using Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction and ICP-MSFoods 2026, 15, 3719Read source →}

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

For cadmium, soil contamination from phosphate-based fertilizers is a recognized pathway in cane cultivation. In a 72-sample Latin American survey, cadmium was detectable in NCS/rapadura at levels up to 45 µg/kg, with higher rates in Peru and Mexico than in Brazil and Ecuador; the authors attributed variability to soil contamination, fertilizer use, and regional processing conditions.^{17Milani RF, Rodrigues JL, Henao Toro SJ, Mauri AA, Bragotto APA, Morgano MA · 2025Inorganic Contaminants in Rapadura from Latin AmericaFoods 2025, 14, 3285Read source →} A controlled field experiment in Colombia found that sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) translocates soil cadmium to leaf tissue: at a soil cadmium loading of 50 mg/kg, leaf concentrations reached 1.21 mg/kg dry weight without mycorrhizal inoculation; arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi reduced leaf cadmium to 0.47 mg/kg by retaining metal in roots.^{18Paladines-Beltran GM, Venegas NA, Suarez JC · 2025Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Enhance Antioxidant Defense Systems in Sugarcane Under Soil Cadmium StressPlants 2025, 14, 2916Read source →} The experimental cadmium dose (50 mg/kg soil) is not representative of ordinary agricultural conditions; these results characterize the soil-to-plant pathway mechanism, not expected food concentrations.

Which forms and regions measured lower

The HMI reference for lead in white sugar, as sold pools 122 subgroup units from 7 sampling families, with a median of below 20 µg/kg and a middle half spanning below 4 (lower quartile) and between 20 and 100 µg/kg (upper quartile).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Alcívar M, Vinueza E, Pernía B, Álvarez-Montero X, Gallardo A · 2024Contamination by Cadmium and Lead in Sugarcane and Its Derived Products in EcuadorAgriculture 2024, 14, 2121Read source →}^{7Topraksever N · 2026Multi-Element Characterization and Sustainability Assessment of Traditional Turkish Red Sugar Using Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction and ICP-MSFoods 2026, 15, 3719Read source →}^{9Grembecka M, Szefer P · 2012Differentiation of Confectionery Products Based on Mineral CompositionFood Analytical Methods 2012, 5: 250-259Read source →}^{10Spungen 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 →}^{11Stojanović B, Janković S, Đorđević V, Marjanović S, Vasilev D, Stojanović Z, Balaban M, Antić V · 2021Determination of toxic elements in meat products from Serbia packaged in tinplate cansResearch Square preprint, posted 26 February 2021 (version 1)Read source →} For cadmium in white sugar, as sold, the reference median was below 1 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 0.659 to below 30 µg/kg across 116 units.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Alcívar M, Vinueza E, Pernía B, Álvarez-Montero X, Gallardo A · 2024Contamination by Cadmium and Lead in Sugarcane and Its Derived Products in EcuadorAgriculture 2024, 14, 2121Read source →}^{7Topraksever N · 2026Multi-Element Characterization and Sustainability Assessment of Traditional Turkish Red Sugar Using Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction and ICP-MSFoods 2026, 15, 3719Read source →}^{9Grembecka M, Szefer P · 2012Differentiation of Confectionery Products Based on Mineral CompositionFood Analytical Methods 2012, 5: 250-259Read source →}^{10Spungen 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 →}^{11Stojanović B, Janković S, Đorđević V, Marjanović S, Vasilev D, Stojanović Z, Balaban M, Antić V · 2021Determination of toxic elements in meat products from Serbia packaged in tinplate cansResearch Square preprint, posted 26 February 2021 (version 1)Read source →} For total arsenic in white sugar, as sold, the reference median was below 12 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 3 to between 13.7 and 47.5 µg/kg across 54 units.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{5Babeker AM, Ahmed AR, Mastafa GI, Abdalla AA, Bakur A · 2022Determination of some heavy metals and microbial profile of raw Sugar samples collected from Sudanese Sugar Industries in season 2017 in relation to EU.1998 and ICUMSA,1974 standardsInternational Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology 8(3): 202-208Read source →}^{11Stojanović B, Janković S, Đorđević V, Marjanović S, Vasilev D, Stojanović Z, Balaban M, Antić V · 2021Determination of toxic elements in meat products from Serbia packaged in tinplate cansResearch Square preprint, posted 26 February 2021 (version 1)Read source →}^{12Ventura M, Rego A, Gueifão S, Delgado I, Coelho I · 2025Dietary Exposure to Essential and Toxic Trace Elements in the Portuguese Population: A Total Diet Study ApproachFoodsRead source →}

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, white sugar, as sold had the lowest lead subgroup median in PAHO (5.3 µg/kg) and the highest in EURO (82 µg/kg); reporting regions are markets, not growing areas.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} For cadmium, the lowest regional median was in PAHO (0.2 µg/kg) and the highest in EMRO (23 µg/kg).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

In one study, lead across 6 groups of white sugar ranged from 54 µg/kg (production batch 2019, Omo Kuraz sugar factory) to 508 µg/kg (production batch 2023, Omo Kuraz sugar factory); the lowest is the lowest observed in that study, not an established sourcing preference.^{6Bekele EE · 2024Determination of Selected Toxic Heavy Metals and Analysis of Proximate Composition in White Sugar Manufactured from the Omo Kuraz Sugar Factory in EthiopiaResearch Square (preprint, posted 29 February 2024)Read source →}

Non-centrifugal cane sugar from Latin America showed lead concentrations above the refined-sugar reference range across all five countries surveyed: country mean lead values ranged from 74 µg/kg (Colombia, n=36) to 107 µg/kg (Peru, n=5), with all country means falling between 65 and 122 µg/kg dry weight as sold; 33 percent of the 72 samples exceeded the Brazilian and MERCOSUR sugar limit for lead of 100 µg/kg, primarily from Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, Quito and Vilcabamba in Ecuador, Mexico, and La Victoria and Lima in Peru.^{17Milani RF, Rodrigues JL, Henao Toro SJ, Mauri AA, Bragotto APA, Morgano MA · 2025Inorganic Contaminants in Rapadura from Latin AmericaFoods 2025, 14, 3285Read source →} These are NCS/rapadura values, not refined white sugar values, and are reported here as a form-contrast rather than as evidence for the refined sugar range.

Processing, cooking and preparation

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

Mitigation for white sugar

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

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

Trade-offs and limits of controls

Avoiding exposed growing areas lowered the metal measured in the studies available, but no study measured the cost or supply effect of doing so.^{7Topraksever N · 2026Multi-Element Characterization and Sustainability Assessment of Traditional Turkish Red Sugar Using Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction and ICP-MSFoods 2026, 15, 3719Read source →} Metals do not move together, so a lot that passes a lead limit says little about cadmium, arsenic or nickel unless those are tested as well.

Testing white sugar for metals

Results depend on the method and its reporting limit. Reporting limits for lead ranged from 0.08 µg/kg (lyu 2022) 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 →}^{13lyu · 2022Characterizing the Exposome of Food Contamination and China Total Diet Study: Project for Improving Food Safety Risk Assessment in ChinaChina CDC WeeklyRead source →} Reporting limits for cadmium ranged from 0.05 µg/kg (lyu 2022) 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 →}^{13lyu · 2022Characterizing the Exposome of Food Contamination and China Total Diet Study: Project for Improving Food Safety Risk Assessment in ChinaChina CDC WeeklyRead source →} Reporting limits for total arsenic ranged from 1.2 µg/kg (Stojanović et al. 2021) to 1,010 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food), so a non-detect from a less sensitive method says much less.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{11Stojanović B, Janković S, Đorđević V, Marjanović S, Vasilev D, Stojanović Z, Balaban M, Antić V · 2021Determination of toxic elements in meat products from Serbia packaged in tinplate cansResearch Square preprint, posted 26 February 2021 (version 1)Read source →}

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

Buying and verifying white sugar

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

Exposure from white sugar

No source in the library converted white sugar 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 white sugar was decided on its content: 29 occurrence extracted, 31 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.

White sugar FAQs

What heavy metals are found in white sugar?

The library reports lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, methylmercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, Se, Ba, Ca, K, Mg, Sr and Tl in white sugar, 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 →}^{3Alcívar M, Vinueza E, Pernía B, Álvarez-Montero X, Gallardo A · 2024Contamination by Cadmium and Lead in Sugarcane and Its Derived Products in EcuadorAgriculture 2024, 14, 2121Read source →}^{4Angelon-Gaetz KA, Klaus C, Chaudhry EA, Bean DK · 2018Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly ReportRead source →} WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in white sugar, as sold from 3,255 results in 5 reporting regions, with subgroup medians from 5.3 to 82 µg/kg.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

How do heavy metals get into white sugar?

In the studies available, white sugar from contaminated or exposed settings carried more metal than white sugar from the same study’s control.^{7Topraksever N · 2026Multi-Element Characterization and Sustainability Assessment of Traditional Turkish Red Sugar Using Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction and ICP-MSFoods 2026, 15, 3719Read source →} White sugar, as sold from commercial sample S1 had lead higher at 919 µg/kg, against 426 µg/kg for commercial sample S1 in the same study.^{7Topraksever N · 2026Multi-Element Characterization and Sustainability Assessment of Traditional Turkish Red Sugar Using Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction and ICP-MSFoods 2026, 15, 3719Read source →}

Which regions report the lowest levels in white sugar?

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, white sugar, as sold had the lowest lead subgroup median in PAHO (5.3 µg/kg) and the highest in EURO (82 µg/kg); reporting regions are markets, not growing areas.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} For cadmium, the lowest regional median was in PAHO (0.2 µg/kg) and the highest in EMRO (23 µg/kg).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

How much of the arsenic in white sugar is inorganic?

Inorganic arsenic, the more toxic form, was measured in 14 results from 5 sources, far fewer than total arsenic.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{8Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, Font G, Yusà V · 2018Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670Read source →}^{14Baxter M, Brereton N · 2015Total Diet Study of metals and other elements in foodFood and Environment Research Agency report for the UK Food Standards Agency, Fera report 15/06, project FS102081Read source →}^{15Centre 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 →}^{16European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · 2014Dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic in the European populationEFSA Journal 2014;12(3):3597Read source →} Marín et al. 2018 reported inorganic arsenic at 2.1 µg/kg (mean) in white sugar, as sold from Sweeteners and condiments group.^{8Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, Font G, Yusà V · 2018Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670Read source →}

References

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

GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsWorld Health Organization · GEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment Programme · 2026 · extranet.who.intDataset
FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsU.S. Food and Drug Administration · FDA Total Diet Study · 2022 · www.fda.govDataset
Contamination by Cadmium and Lead in Sugarcane and Its Derived Products in EcuadorAlcívar M, Vinueza E, Pernía B, Álvarez-Montero X, and Gallardo A · Agriculture 2024, 14, 2121 · 2024 · doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122121Peer-reviewed
Lead in Spices, Herbal Remedies, and Ceremonial Powders Sampled from Home Investigations for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels — North Carolina, 2011–2018Angelon-Gaetz KA, Klaus C, Chaudhry EA, and Bean DK · MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report · 2018 · doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6746a2Government
Determination of some heavy metals and microbial profile of raw Sugar samples collected from Sudanese Sugar Industries in season 2017 in relation to EU.1998 and ICUMSA,1974 standardsBabeker AM, Ahmed AR, Mastafa GI, Abdalla AA, and Bakur A · International Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology 8(3): 202-208 · 2022 · doi.org/10.17352/2455-815X.000164Peer-reviewed
Determination of Selected Toxic Heavy Metals and Analysis of Proximate Composition in White Sugar Manufactured from the Omo Kuraz Sugar Factory in EthiopiaBekele EE · Research Square (preprint, posted 29 February 2024) · 2024 · doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3991120/v1Preprint
Multi-Element Characterization and Sustainability Assessment of Traditional Turkish Red Sugar Using Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction and ICP-MSTopraksever N · Foods 2026, 15, 3719 · 2026 · doi.org/10.3390/foods15203719Peer-reviewed
Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain)Marín S, Pardo O, Sánchez A, Sanchis Y, Vélez D, Devesa V, et al. · Toxicology Reports 5 (2018) 654-670 · 2018 · doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2018.05.005Peer-reviewed
Differentiation of Confectionery Products Based on Mineral CompositionGrembecka M and Szefer P · Food Analytical Methods 2012, 5: 250-259 · 2012 · doi.org/10.1007/s12161-011-9234-0Peer-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
Determination of toxic elements in meat products from Serbia packaged in tinplate cansStojanović B, Janković S, Đorđević V, Marjanović S, Vasilev D, Stojanović Z, et al. · Research Square preprint, posted 26 February 2021 (version 1) · 2021 · doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-271859/v1Preprint
Dietary Exposure to Essential and Toxic Trace Elements in the Portuguese Population: A Total Diet Study ApproachVentura M, Rego A, Gueifão S, Delgado I, and Coelho I · Foods · 2025 · doi.org/10.3390/foods15050838Peer-reviewed
Characterizing the Exposome of Food Contamination and China Total Diet Study: Project for Improving Food Safety Risk Assessment in Chinalyu · China CDC Weekly · 2022 · doi.org/10.46234/ccdcw2022.039Peer-reviewed
Total Diet Study of metals and other elements in foodBaxter M and Brereton N · Food and Environment Research Agency report for the UK Food Standards Agency, Fera report 15/06, project FS102081 · 2015 · www.food.gov.ukGovernment
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
Inorganic Contaminants in Rapadura from Latin AmericaMilani RF, Rodrigues JL, Henao Toro SJ, Mauri AA, Bragotto APA, and Morgano MA · Foods 2025, 14, 3285 · 2025 · doi.org/10.3390/foods14193285Peer-reviewed
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Enhance Antioxidant Defense Systems in Sugarcane Under Soil Cadmium StressPaladines-Beltran GM, Venegas NA, and Suarez JC · Plants 2025, 14, 2916 · 2025 · doi.org/10.3390/plants14182916Peer-reviewed

Sources

Browse White sugar 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

6 November 2026: Added non-centrifugal cane sugar (NCS/rapadura) Latin American survey data from Milani et al. 2025 (72 samples, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru: lead 65-122 ug/kg, 33% above MERCOSUR limit; cadmium up to 45 ug/kg, arsenic below LOQ) and contextual cadmium uptake pathway evidence from Paladines-Beltran et al. 2025 (AMF/sugarcane cadmium stress experiment, Colombia); 2 sources added, page updated to 31 total. 22 October 2026: Rebuilt from every white sugar record in the library: 29 occurrence sources, references by form and basis, same-study contrasts.

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Heavy metals in White sugar

White sugar overview

What counts as white sugar

Heavy metal contamination profile of white sugar

How metals reach white sugar

Which forms and regions measured lower

Processing, cooking and preparation

Mitigation for white sugar

Trade-offs and limits of controls

Testing white sugar for metals

Buying and verifying white sugar

Exposure from white sugar

Evidence review and remaining gaps

White sugar FAQs

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