Noxious Elements in Milk and Milk Products in Poland

Results of investigations for content of lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic in milk and milk products sampled from trade and directly from manufacturers throughout Poland in 2006-07 with participation of sanitary-epidemiological stations were presented. Results were obtained from all 16 Voivodships. Laboratories used accredited validated analytical methods to satisfy performance criteria specified in EU regulations on official control of foodstuffs. Average reported contents for milk and milk products, respectively, were: lead 0.008 and 0.017 mg/kg, cadmium 0.001 and 0.002 mg/kg, arsenic 0.005 and 0.009 mg/kg, and mercury 0.001 and 0.002 mg/kg. Intake of the above elements noxious to human health, based on investigation results and reported consumption of milk and milk products, does not pose a threat to human health.