What are the risks with Cadmium?
Cadmium is a naturally occurring heavy metal. It is present in the rock used to make superphosphate. The cadmium levels in New Zealand soils and in New Zealand foods are not a major environmental problem, nor are they affecting the nation's health.
Research has shown the cadmium levels in a range of popular fruit and vegetables grown in New Zealand to be low and in line with New Zealand’s major trading partners.
These findings are reflected in the New Zealand Total Diet Study – with the most recent results (2003/2004) showing the estimated weekly dietary exposure to cadmium (in representative foods) is well below the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake level (as set by the World Health Organisation).
Field work for a new Total Diet Study was undertaken in 2009 and the NZFSA has been progressively publishing its initial findings since late 2009. The full results are scheduled for publication in late 2010 and early indications are the cadmium findings will be consistent with previous studies.
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