Assessment of Cadmium Concentrations in Foodstuffs and Dietary Exposure Risk Across China: A Metadata Analysis

Cadmium (Cd) is a persistent and toxic heavy metal widely present in the environment and can cause damage to a variety of human organs and systems. Based on published studies from 2000 to 2021, this study established a comprehensive database of Cd concentrations in Chinese foods, and described the spatial and temporal trends of Cd concentrations in foods across China. The average Cd concentration in total foodstuff was 0.078 mg/kg, with edible fungi and algae having the highest concentrations, followed by aquatic foods, nuts, cereals, beans, vegetables, meats, eggs, milk, and fruits. The average dietary Cd exposure of Chinese residents was 34.3 mu g/day (varying from 22.6 to 54.5 mu g/day across regions), with the highest exposures in South China. Cereals (46.2%), vegetables (19.2%), and aquatic food (18.4%) contributed the most to the dietary Cd exposure of Chinese residents. According to Monte Carlo simulations of the risk assessment of dietary exposure to Cd, approximately, 15.4% of the Chinese population exceeded the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives health-based guidance value. The hazard quotient and excess lifetime cancer risk indices of dietary Cd exposure indicated that the Chinese residents would not be at significant non-cancer and carcinogenic risk. In summary, this study obtained comprehensive and reliable results on Cd concentrations in Chinese food and dietary Cd exposure risk of Chinese residents, which can provide a data base for the development of dietary Cd exposure limits in China.

Automated summary

This study established a comprehensive database of cadmium concentrations in Chinese foods and described the spatial and temporal trends. The average dietary cadmium exposure of Chinese residents was 34.3 μg/day, with cereals, vegetables, and aquatic food contributing the most. Approximately 15.4% of the Chinese population exceeded the health-based guidance value.