Assessment of long-term dietary cadmium exposure in children in Germany: Does consideration of data from total diet studies reduce uncertainties from food monitoring programmes?

• Published in: Food and chemical toxicology 2024-02, Vol.184, p.114404-114404, Article 114404
• Main Authors: Kolbaum, Anna Elena, Jung, Christian, Jaeger, Anna, Libuda, Lars, Lindtner, Oliver
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: BfR MEAL study; Cadmium; Dietary exposure; Food monitoring; Total diet study; Uncertainties
• ISSN: 0278-6915; 1873-6351
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.114404

Total diet studies (TDS) and food monitoring programmes are different approaches for collecting occurrence data on substances in food. This case study evaluated the practical applicability of TDS data (BfR MEAL Study) and monitoring data for the assessment of long-term cadmium exposure in children in Germany. Cadmium data from both programmes were combined with food consumption data from the KiESEL study. Uncertainties associated with both assessments were systematically described. Using monitoring data resulted in cadmium intakes approximately 3 times higher than the use of BfR MEAL Study data. Incomplete data and neglect of market shares and consumption weights were considered by conservative data adjustments to the monitoring data and mainly explain the higher estimates. Fewer data adjustments were necessary for BfR MEAL Study data, which covered almost the entire diet and considered consumer behaviour during sample collection and sample preparation. In sum, the use of the BfR MEAL Study data resulted in less uncertainty and more reliable exposure estimates for chronic assessments over the entire diet. However, description of variability and upper tails of substance distributions in food remain essential features of monitoring data. The integration of both programmes into a complementary system further improves food safety. •Food monitoring overestimated cadmium intake, while TDS led to more reliable exposure estimates.•TDS data required less data processing, resulting in lower uncertainty.•Food monitoring provided incomplete and less representative coverage of diet.•Food monitoring can contribute information on variability to exposure scenarios.•Combining TDS and food monitoring in a common system improves food safety.