Heavy metals in Zucchini

Quick read

Zucchini in the HMI library has 149 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, Ag, arsenic (As), B, Ba, Ga and Mo from 14 sources.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{4Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}^{5Al Othman ZA · 2010Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily IntakeMolecules 2010, 15, 7482-7497Read source →}^{6Rossini-Oliva S, López Nuñez R · 2024Is it healthy urban agriculture? Human exposure to potentially toxic elements in urban gardens from Andalusia, SpainEnvironmental Science and Pollution ResearchRead source →}

Metals measured:
Lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury and nickel and others, in 149 results from 14 sources.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{4Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}
Main drivers:
Form, basis and where the zucchini was sampled; reporting limits decide how many results are non-detects.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{4Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}
Practical framing:
Ask for lot results with a quantification limit well below the limit that applies in the destination market.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{4Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}

Zucchini overview

Zucchini in the HMI library has 149 reported results for lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, Ag, As, B, Ba, Ga and Mo from 14 sources.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{4Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}^{5Al Othman ZA · 2010Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily IntakeMolecules 2010, 15, 7482-7497Read source →}^{6Rossini-Oliva S, López Nuñez R · 2024Is it healthy urban agriculture? Human exposure to potentially toxic elements in urban gardens from Andalusia, SpainEnvironmental Science and Pollution ResearchRead source →} WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in zucchini, as sold from 799 results in 4 reporting regions, with subgroup medians from 2 to 6 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, zucchini, cooked had a median lead result below 4 µg/kg across 27 composites from 2017–2020.^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}

Across 3 other studies of ordinary farms and markets, reported lead means and medians on an as-sold or fresh-weight basis ranged from 2.5 µg/kg (Spungen et al. 2024) to 590 µg/kg (Guerra et al. 2012).^{4Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}^{7Spungen JH, et al. · 2024Infants’ and young children’s dietary exposures to lead and cadmium: FDA total diet study 2018-2020Food Additives & Contaminants: Part ARead source →} For cadmium, 3 studies on an as-sold or fresh-weight basis reported means and medians from 7.1 µg/kg (Spungen et al. 2024) to 40 µg/kg (Guerra et al. 2012).^{4Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}^{7Spungen JH, et al. · 2024Infants’ and young children’s dietary exposures to lead and cadmium: FDA total diet study 2018-2020Food Additives & Contaminants: Part ARead source →}

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

What counts as zucchini

This page covers zucchini in 2 forms kept separate in every comparison: zucchini, as sold (140 results) and zucchini, cooked (9 results).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{4Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}^{5Al Othman ZA · 2010Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily IntakeMolecules 2010, 15, 7482-7497Read source →}^{6Rossini-Oliva S, López Nuñez R · 2024Is it healthy urban agriculture? Human exposure to potentially toxic elements in urban gardens from Andalusia, SpainEnvironmental Science and Pollution ResearchRead source →}

Results stay on the basis each source reports: as sold or fresh weight, dry weight, or unstated. Dry-weight, as-sold and unstated results are never pooled, and no moisture conversion is applied.

Heavy metal contamination profile of zucchini

The table holds every extracted zucchini result: one row for each statistic a source reports for a form, group and metal, 149 rows in all, grouped by metal and form; percentiles, ranges and maxima for the same samples as a mean or median are shown on that row.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{4Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →}^{5Al Othman ZA · 2010Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily IntakeMolecules 2010, 15, 7482-7497Read source →}^{6Rossini-Oliva S, López Nuñez R · 2024Is it healthy urban agriculture? Human exposure to potentially toxic elements in urban gardens from Andalusia, SpainEnvironmental Science and Pollution ResearchRead 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 →}

2 rows can be rated against an HMI reference for the same form and basis, 8 rows have a direct same-study comparison, and the rest stay unrated with the reason recorded.

Comparison methods and scope

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

149 of 149 findings · 23 analytes

About this table

Food formCollection scopeFindingComparisonEvidence

Zucchini 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)

24 findings · 7 studies
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2020As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2017As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2013As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2019As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	PAHO2014–2016As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	SEARO2012As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2008As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010–2011As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market, Sao Paulo, August 2009; origin unknown2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldAl 2010	Vegetables, Riyadh city markets, May 20092009Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	local market2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	mining-area garden (Nerva / Minas de Riotinto)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	peri-urban garden (Utrera)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	urban garden (Huelva, Cordoba, Seville, Alcala de Guadaira)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	imported, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	locally grown, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
2 findings · 2 studies
Zucchini, cookedFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, cookedSpungen et al. 2024	all samples2018–2020As sold / fresh	mean.

21 findings · 7 studies
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2007As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2006As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2020As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2003–2017As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010–2011As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market, Sao Paulo, August 2009; origin unknown2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	local market2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	mining-area garden (Nerva / Minas de Riotinto)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	peri-urban garden (Utrera)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	urban garden (Huelva, Cordoba, Seville, Alcala de Guadaira)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	imported, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	locally grown, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldCantoral et al. 2024	all samples (single foodstuff, duplicate mean)2022–2023Basis not stated	sample value.
Zucchini, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
2 findings · 2 studies
Zucchini, cookedFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, cookedSpungen et al. 2024	all samples2018–2020As sold / fresh	mean.

8 findings · 3 studies
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2009–2015As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2007–2012As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	local market2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	mining-area garden (Nerva / Minas de Riotinto)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	peri-urban garden (Utrera)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	urban garden (Huelva, Cordoba, Seville, Alcala de Guadaira)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	imported, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	not detected.
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	locally grown, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
1 finding · 1 study
Zucchini, cookedFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / fresh	median.

5 findings · 3 studies
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2009As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010–2011As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2011Dry weight	median.
Zucchini, as soldCentre for Food Safety FEHD HKSAR 2012	all samples (4 sampling occasions, composites)2010–2011Basis not stated	not detected.
Zucchini, as soldEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 2014	European dietary-survey occurrence data2003–2013Basis not stated	mean.

2 findings · 1 study
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2006–2017As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	EURO2011–2017As sold / fresh	median.
1 finding · 1 study
Zucchini, cookedFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / fresh	median.

9 findings · 4 studies
Zucchini, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market, Sao Paulo, August 2009; origin unknown2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	local market2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	mining-area garden (Nerva / Minas de Riotinto)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	peri-urban garden (Utrera)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	urban garden (Huelva, Cordoba, Seville, Alcala de Guadaira)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	imported, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	locally grown, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.
1 finding · 1 study
Zucchini, cookedFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / fresh	median.

10 findings · 4 studies
Zucchini, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, LB2000–2013As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldEFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) 2014	all samples, EFSA FoodEx subgroup, UB2000–2013As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market, Sao Paulo, August 2009; origin unknown2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	local market2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	mining-area garden (Nerva / Minas de Riotinto)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	peri-urban garden (Utrera)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	urban garden (Huelva, Cordoba, Seville, Alcala de Guadaira)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	imported, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	locally grown, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
1 finding · 1 study
Zucchini, cookedFDA Total Diet Study	6 collection regions2017–2020As sold / fresh	median.

3 findings · 2 studies
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	imported, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	locally grown, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.

2 findings · 2 studies
Zucchini, as soldWHO GEMS/Food	WPRO2010–2011As sold / fresh	median.
Zucchini, as soldCentre for Food Safety (Hong Kong) 2013	all samples2010–2011Basis not stated	mean.

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

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

6 findings · 2 studies
Zucchini, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldGuerra et al. 2012	CEAGESP wholesale market, Sao Paulo, August 2009; origin unknown2009As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	local market2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	mining-area garden (Nerva / Minas de Riotinto)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	peri-urban garden (Utrera)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	urban garden (Huelva, Cordoba, Seville, Alcala de Guadaira)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.

5 findings · 2 studies
Zucchini, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	imported, Spain (V-17)Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	local market2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	mining-area garden (Nerva / Minas de Riotinto)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	peri-urban garden (Utrera)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	urban garden (Huelva, Cordoba, Seville, Alcala de Guadaira)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.

3 findings · 2 studies
Zucchini, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	imported, Spain (V-16)Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	imported, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	locally grown, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.

3 findings · 2 studies
Zucchini, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	home-grown, garden in Styria, Slovenia (V-19)Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	imported, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	locally grown, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.

13 findings · 4 studies
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	imported, Spain (V-17)Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	local market2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	mining-area garden (Nerva / Minas de Riotinto)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	peri-urban garden (Utrera)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	urban garden (Huelva, Cordoba, Seville, Alcala de Guadaira)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	imported, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	locally grown, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.

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

2 findings · 1 study
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	imported, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldYounis et al. 2023	locally grown, Erbil main vegetable marketCollection date unreportedDry weight	mean.

6 findings · 1 study
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	amateur farmers; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	not detected.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar2021As sold / fresh	mean.
Zucchini, as soldBora et al. 2022	vegetable and fruit market; washed with tap water2021As sold / fresh	mean.

4 findings · 1 study
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	local market2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	mining-area garden (Nerva / Minas de Riotinto)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	peri-urban garden (Utrera)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	urban garden (Huelva, Cordoba, Seville, Alcala de Guadaira)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.

6 findings · 2 studies
Zucchini, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	home-grown, garden in Styria, Slovenia (V-19)Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Zucchini, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	imported, Spain (V-17)Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	local market2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	mining-area garden (Nerva / Minas de Riotinto)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	peri-urban garden (Utrera)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	urban garden (Huelva, Cordoba, Seville, Alcala de Guadaira)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.

1 finding · 1 study
Zucchini, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	imported, Spain (V-17)Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.

5 findings · 2 studies
Zucchini, as soldRantaša et al. 2026	imported, Spain (V-17)Collection date unreportedDry weight	sample value.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	local market2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	mining-area garden (Nerva / Minas de Riotinto)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	peri-urban garden (Utrera)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.
Zucchini, as soldRossini-Oliva et al. 2024	urban garden (Huelva, Cordoba, Seville, Alcala de Guadaira)2021–2023Dry weight	mean.

Shared dataset methods and interpretation

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

HMI zucchini Pb reference · Zucchini, as sold

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤5	≤9.5	2–18 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤5	≤6.61	2–15.5 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	39	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for zucchini, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for zucchini, as sold on this basis in the completed zucchini 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:zucchini-da969594cb6e:644ad540e480

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 zucchini Pb reference · Zucchini, cooked

Reference and scope

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

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

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

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

Methods

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

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1–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 zucchini, cooked on this basis in the completed zucchini 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:zucchini-aba64bcc0a4b:f64b822e78cd

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 zucchini Cd reference · Zucchini, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI zucchini Cd reference · Zucchini, as sold. Zucchini, 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	≤1.3	≤2	0.57–3 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤1.2	≤2	0.57–3 (bounded)

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	35	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for zucchini, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for zucchini, as sold on this basis in the completed zucchini 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:zucchini-54beb669affc:865ffb10a720

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 zucchini Cd reference · Zucchini, cooked

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	1.3	2.1	3.7
Alternative weighting	1.6	2.15	3.7

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

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

Methods

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

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1–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 zucchini, cooked on this basis in the completed zucchini 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:zucchini-f29434ee5c19:3a5c299acbae

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 zucchini tAs reference · Zucchini, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI zucchini tAs reference · Zucchini, as sold. Zucchini, 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	≤7.5	≤10	≤20
Alternative weighting	≤10	≤10.5	≤20

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

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

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for zucchini, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for zucchini, as sold on this basis in the completed zucchini 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:zucchini-33e1f9bad7aa:4ebfd253b253

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 zucchini tAs reference · Zucchini, cooked

Reference and scope

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

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

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

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

Methods

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

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1–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 zucchini, cooked on this basis in the completed zucchini 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:zucchini-05aa9915eeda:618fda6c855c

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 zucchini iAs reference · Zucchini, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI zucchini iAs reference · Zucchini, as sold. Zucchini, 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	≤0.45	≤3	0.45–3 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤0.45	≤3	0.45–3 (bounded)

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

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

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for zucchini, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for zucchini, as sold on this basis in the completed zucchini 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:zucchini-c5bf5c8c4a29:0b6ce6ca3a11

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 zucchini iAs reference · Zucchini, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	93.9	93.9	93.9
Alternative weighting	93.9	93.9	93.9

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 zucchini, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for zucchini, as sold on this basis in the completed zucchini 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:zucchini-dc4f31d41eae:7b983a188742

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 zucchini tHg reference · Zucchini, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI zucchini tHg reference · Zucchini, as sold. Zucchini, 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	≤3.16	≤5.25
Alternative weighting	≤1.1	≤3.16	≤5.25

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	16	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for zucchini, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for zucchini, as sold on this basis in the completed zucchini 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:zucchini-ab56ac729783:392faee9b9f2

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 zucchini tHg reference · Zucchini, cooked

Reference and scope

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

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

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

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

Methods

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

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1–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 zucchini, cooked on this basis in the completed zucchini 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:zucchini-3ae1dde6b455:05b840d27c44

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 zucchini Ni reference · Zucchini, cooked

Reference and scope

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

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤40	≤40	110
Alternative weighting	≤40	21–41 (bounded)	110

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

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

Methods

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

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1–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 zucchini, cooked on this basis in the completed zucchini 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:zucchini-498b780af2af:a7269592751c

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 zucchini Cr reference · Zucchini, cooked

Reference and scope

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

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

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

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

Methods

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

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1–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 zucchini, cooked on this basis in the completed zucchini 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:zucchini-e7711566ff66:44791d2ac948

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 zucchini Sn reference · Zucchini, as sold

Reference and scope

HMI zucchini Sn reference · Zucchini, as sold. Zucchini, 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	6–11 (bounded)	12
Alternative weighting	≤10	6–11 (bounded)	12

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 zucchini, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

WHO GEMS/Food is the only compatible sampling family for zucchini, as sold on this basis in the completed zucchini 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:zucchini-531eb27eadb4:36e896c58ac0

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 zucchini U reference · Zucchini, cooked

Reference and scope

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

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

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

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

Methods

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

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1–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 zucchini, cooked on this basis in the completed zucchini 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:zucchini-28b63dc76cae:666327f76cc5

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 zucchini Cu reference · Zucchini, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI zucchini Cu reference · Zucchini, as sold, dry weight. Zucchini, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	14400	14400	14400
Alternative weighting	14400	14400	14400

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Rantaša et al. 2026	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for zucchini, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Rantaša et al. 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for zucchini, as sold on this basis in the completed zucchini 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

Rantaša et al. 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:zucchini-49ed8df7a770:cd671ceb444b

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 zucchini Fe reference · Zucchini, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI zucchini Fe reference · Zucchini, as sold, dry weight. Zucchini, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	86200	86200	86200
Alternative weighting	86200	86200	86200

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Rantaša et al. 2026	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for zucchini, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Rantaša et al. 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for zucchini, as sold on this basis in the completed zucchini 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

Rantaša et al. 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:zucchini-eae95f6335ac:64d05c983170

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 zucchini Mn reference · Zucchini, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI zucchini Mn reference · Zucchini, as sold, dry weight. Zucchini, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	1460	1460	1460
Alternative weighting	1460	1460	1460

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Rantaša et al. 2026	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for zucchini, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Rantaša et al. 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for zucchini, as sold on this basis in the completed zucchini 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

Rantaša et al. 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:zucchini-d1ef59e3843a:bb1616481222

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 zucchini Zn reference · Zucchini, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI zucchini Zn reference · Zucchini, as sold, dry weight. Zucchini, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	47400	47400	47400
Alternative weighting	47400	47400	47400

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Rantaša et al. 2026	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for zucchini, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Rantaša et al. 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for zucchini, as sold on this basis in the completed zucchini 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

Rantaša et al. 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:zucchini-57556362ddf3:eb89dc76c83b

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 zucchini Ba reference · Zucchini, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI zucchini Ba reference · Zucchini, as sold, dry weight. Zucchini, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	1450	3520	5590
Alternative weighting	1450	3520	5590

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Rantaša et al. 2026	2	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for zucchini, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Rantaša et al. 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for zucchini, as sold on this basis in the completed zucchini 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

Rantaša et al. 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:zucchini-67667322b348:7bd93172f4c6

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 zucchini Ga reference · Zucchini, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI zucchini Ga reference · Zucchini, as sold, dry weight. Zucchini, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	2720	2720	2720
Alternative weighting	2720	2720	2720

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Rantaša et al. 2026	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for zucchini, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Rantaša et al. 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for zucchini, as sold on this basis in the completed zucchini 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

Rantaša et al. 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:zucchini-eb7dc0b20cc2:a5c422d6a705

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 zucchini Mo reference · Zucchini, as sold, dry weight

Reference and scope

HMI zucchini Mo reference · Zucchini, as sold, dry weight. Zucchini, as sold; Dry weight, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	13800	13800	13800
Alternative weighting	13800	13800	13800

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

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
Rantaša et al. 2026	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians for zucchini, 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–Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

Rantaša et al. 2026 is the only compatible sampling family for zucchini, as sold on this basis in the completed zucchini 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

Rantaša et al. 2026

Reference version and interpretation

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

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:zucchini-d86338688018:df0f587615fa

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 zucchini

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

Which forms and regions measured lower

The HMI reference for lead in zucchini, as sold pools 39 subgroup units from 1 sampling family, with a median of below 9.5 µg/kg and a middle half spanning below 5 (lower quartile) and between 2 and 18 µg/kg (upper quartile).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} For lead in zucchini, cooked, the reference median was below 4 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 4 to below 4 µg/kg across 27 units.^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →} For cadmium in zucchini, as sold, the reference median was below 2 µg/kg, with a middle half from below 1.3 to between 0.57 and 3 µg/kg across 35 units.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, zucchini, as sold had the lowest lead subgroup median in SEARO (2 µg/kg) and the highest in WPRO (6 µg/kg); reporting regions are markets, not growing areas.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} For inorganic arsenic, the lowest regional median was in EURO (0.45 µg/kg) and the highest in EURO (93.9 µg/kg).^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

In one study, lead across 4 groups of zucchini ranged from 20.6 µg/kg (vegetable and fruit market; washed with 10% acetic acid vinegar) to 28.6 µg/kg (amateur farmers; washed with 5% acetic acid vinegar); the lowest is the lowest observed in that study, not an established sourcing preference.^{3Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}

Processing, cooking and preparation

No study in the library measured the same zucchini before and after washing, peeling, drying or cooking for metals, so no processing effect can be stated. Heat does not destroy metals; cooking or drying changes a concentration by moving water or metal, not by removing the element.

Mitigation for zucchini

No control for metals in zucchini was measured in the library; lot testing against the applicable limit remains the verifiable step.

No study in this library has yet measured a way to lower heavy metals in zucchini; the results above show the levels measured, and lot testing against the applicable limit remains the verifiable check.

Trade-offs and limits of controls

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

Testing zucchini for metals

Results depend on the method and its reporting limit. Reporting limits for lead ranged from 2 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 200 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food), so a non-detect from a less sensitive method says much less.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} Reporting limits for cadmium ranged from 0.5 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food) to 50 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food), so a non-detect from a less sensitive method says much less.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} Reporting limits for total arsenic ranged from 3 µg/kg (FDA Total Diet Study) to 500 µg/kg (WHO GEMS/Food), so a non-detect from a less sensitive method says much less.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}

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

Buying and verifying zucchini

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

Exposure from zucchini

No source in the library converted zucchini 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 zucchini was decided on its content: 14 occurrence extracted, 14 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.

Zucchini FAQs

What heavy metals are found in zucchini?

The library reports lead, cadmium, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, total mercury, nickel, chromium, aluminium, tin, antimony, uranium, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, V, Ag, As, B, Ba, Ga and Mo in zucchini, most often lead, cadmium and total arsenic.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{3Bora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, Bunea CI · 2022Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaHorticulturaeRead source →}^{4Guerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, Canniatti-Brazaca SG · 2012Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthScientia Agricola 69(1):54-60Read source →} WHO GEMS/Food submissions reported lead in zucchini, as sold from 799 results in 4 reporting regions, with subgroup medians from 2 to 6 µg/kg.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}

Which regions report the lowest levels in zucchini?

Among GEMS/Food reporting regions, zucchini, as sold had the lowest lead subgroup median in SEARO (2 µg/kg) and the highest in WPRO (6 µg/kg); reporting regions are markets, not growing areas.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} For inorganic arsenic, the lowest regional median was in EURO (0.45 µg/kg) and the highest in EURO (93.9 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 zucchini is inorganic?

Inorganic arsenic, the more toxic form, was measured in 5 results from 3 sources, far fewer than total arsenic.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{8Centre 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 →}^{9European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · 2014Dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic in the European populationEFSA Journal 2014;12(3):3597Read source →} European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 2014 reported inorganic arsenic at 4.9 µg/kg (mean) in zucchini, as sold from European dietary-survey occurrence data.^{9European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · 2014Dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic in the European populationEFSA Journal 2014;12(3):3597Read source →}

References

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

GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsWorld Health Organization · GEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment Programme · 2026 · extranet.who.intDataset
FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsU.S. Food and Drug Administration · FDA Total Diet Study · 2022 · www.fda.govDataset
Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, RomaniaBora FD, Bunea A, Pop SR, Banita SI, Dusa DS, Chira A, et al. · Horticulturae · 2022 · doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8111034Peer-reviewed
Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human healthGuerra F, Trevizam AR, Muraoka T, Marcante NC, and Canniatti-Brazaca SG · Scientia Agricola 69(1):54-60 · 2012 · doi.org/10.1590/s0103-90162012000100008Peer-reviewed
Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily IntakeAl Othman ZA · Molecules 2010, 15, 7482-7497 · 2010 · doi.org/10.3390/molecules15107482Peer-reviewed
Is it healthy urban agriculture? Human exposure to potentially toxic elements in urban gardens from Andalusia, SpainRossini-Oliva S and López Nuñez R · Environmental Science and Pollution Research · 2024 · doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-33500-wPeer-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
The First Hong Kong Total Diet Study: Inorganic ArsenicCentre for Food Safety FEHD HKSAR · Centre for Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region · 2012 · www.cfs.gov.hkGovernment
Dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic in the European populationEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · EFSA Journal 2014;12(3):3597 · 2014 · doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3597Government

Sources

Browse Zucchini Sources for sources cited on this page and additional discovery candidates. The searchable index distinguishes verified citation use from discovery relationships whose relevance has not been established.

Update history

22 October 2026: Rebuilt from every zucchini record in the library: 14 occurrence sources, references by form and basis, same-study contrasts.

Graph View

1

GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exports

2

FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical Results

3

Quantification and Reduction in Heavy Metal Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study Galați County, Romania

4

Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human health

5

Lead Contamination in Selected Foods from Riyadh City Market and Estimation of the Daily Intake

6

Is it healthy urban agriculture? Human exposure to potentially toxic elements in urban gardens from Andalusia, Spain

Food and Drug Administration

7

Infants’ and young children’s dietary exposures to lead and cadmium: FDA total diet study 2018-2020

8

The First Hong Kong Total Diet Study: Inorganic Arsenic

9

European Food Safety Authority

Dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic in the European population