Pesticide, metal, and other chemical residues in adult total diet samples. (XIII). August 1976-September 1977

Abstract

Since 1964, the Food and Drug Administration has reported residues of pesticides and other chemicals in the average diet of the United States' heartiest eater, the young adult male, through the Total Diet Study. This report is the thirteenth in the series and included results of analyses for 25 market basket samples collected from August 1976 through September 1977 in 20 different cities throughout 4 geographical areas. All food items were divided into 12 different composite food classes, and 25 composites, 1 from each market basket, were prepared and analyzed for each food class. Averages and ranges of pesticide and chemical residues are presented in various formats, together with results for the following heavy metals: zinc, cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic, and selenium. Individual items making up the dairy composites and the meat-fish-poultry composites were analyzed separately for 4 market baskets and are presented as a part of this report. Recovery studies of pesticides and chemicals added to each of the various food classes are also included.