Food contaminated with pesticides and heavy metals – an underestimated public health threat
Issue: 4/2025
Recevied: August 28, 2025
Accepted: October 21, 2025
Published: October 24, 2025
Authors:
J. Chmielewski, B. Gworek, J. Bąk-Badowska, E. Zięba, P. Szenk, I. Żeber-Dzikowska
Categories: Review paper, Medicine and veterinary
DOI: 10.5601/jelem.2025.30.3.3640
Abstract:
Food contaminated with chemical substances poses a significant threat to human health and, therefore, should be of concern for both environmental and public health. Pesticides and heavy metals represent important examples of such hazards. Long-term exposure resulting from the consumption of contaminated food may lead to serious adverse health outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to systematize current knowledge on food contamination with pesticides and heavy metals. The paper reviews relevant legal regulations and presents recent research results on the presence of these compounds in food and their potential health effects on consumers. Methods: A review of epidemiological studies reporting adverse health outcomes was performed. Data analysis and bibliometric review covered the period 2020–2024 and included information from official food control as well as reports of institutions responsible for food quality and safety assessment in Poland. The literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Selection criteria included open access availability and specific subject classification keywords. Results: Findings from official food control and scientific studies confirm the presence of pesticide and heavy metal contamination in food products. Conclusions: Official food control in Poland should include a larger number of samples to provide a more comprehensive picture of potential consumer exposure.
Citation:
JELEM / HARVARD
Chmielewski, J., Gworek, B., Bąk-Badowska, J., Zięba, E., Szenk, P. and Żeber-Dzikowska, I. (2025) 'Food contaminated with pesticides and heavy metals – an underestimated public health threat ', Journal of Elementology, 30(4), , available: https://doi.org/10.5601/jelem.2025.30.3.3640
MDPI
Chmielewski, J.; Gworek, B.; Bąk-Badowska, J.; Zięba, E.; Szenk, P.; Żeber-Dzikowska, I. Food contaminated with pesticides and heavy metals – an underestimated public health threat . J. Elem. 2025, 30, 4, . https://doi.org/10.5601/jelem.2025.30.3.3640
AMA
Chmielewski J, Gworek B, Bąk-Badowska J, Zięba E, Szenk P, Żeber-Dzikowska I. Food contaminated with pesticides and heavy metals – an underestimated public health threat . J. Elem. 2025;30(4):. https://doi.org/10.5601/jelem.2025.30.3.3640
CHICAGO
Chmielewski Jarosław, Gworek Barbara, Bąk-Badowska Jolanta, Zięba Ewa, Szenk Piotr, Żeber-Dzikowska Ilona. 2025. "Food contaminated with pesticides and heavy metals – an underestimated public health threat " J. Elem. 30, no.4: . https://doi.org/10.5601/jelem.2025.30.3.3640
Keywords:
food, chemical substances, contamination, consumer exposure, health risk
About issue:
30.4.2025
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