Cadmium contamination in pork and its related foods in Shanghai in 2008

Objective To investigate the cadmium contamination in pork and its related foods in Shanghai. Methods A total of 190 samples of pork and its related foods were detected in the survey.Cadmium was measured with atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Results The contents of cadmium in pork and its related foods examined were basically lower than the maximum levels of cadmium stipulaled by national standards, however cadmium contamination were found in kidney and liver, i.e.mean cadmium concentration in kidney and liver were 0.020~0.520mg/kg and 0.012~0.260 mg/kg, respectively. Conclusion According to the national health standards, the cadmium contamination in pork and its related foods investigated in the study was not serious, but it is necessary to further strengthen the food safety control.