Collection of occurrence data in foods – The value of the BfR MEAL study in addition to the national monitoring for dietary exposure assessment

•The German National Monitoring and the BfR MEAL Study are systematically compared.•Adding Total Diet Study data to Food Monitoring data enhances consumer safety.•BfR MEAL Study substantially extends the food list for > 250 substances.•National Monitoring is needed when variability or regulatory limits are in focus.•BfR MEAL Study provides total dietary exposure data for representative consumer habits.