Levels of certain trace elements in beef and pork imported to Sweden

The levels of Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Co, Zn, Cu, Mn, As and Se were determined in beef and pork imported to Sweden from six different countries. Samples of Swedish beef and pork were included for comparison. The results of this survey showed in most cases little difference in levels of these elements between the countries and agreed well with the results from our previous studies. All results for Pb, Cd, Ni and As were below the detection limits of 0.007, 0.001, 0.016 and 0.030 mg/kg fresh weight, respectively. Chromium and cobalt were, in both beef and pork, close to, or below, the detection limits of 0.004 and 0.003 mg/kg fresh wt, respectively. The level of selenium in beef varied considerably between countries, from < 0.030 to 0.18 mg/kg fresh wt. The levels of lead and cadmium from this study differed strongly in some cases from what have been reported in surveys from several countries, among them some countries exporting to Sweden. The importance of a rigorous quality control programme is emphasized.