Determination of total mercury in Spanish samples of baby food, fast food, and daily meal

Abstract This study investigated the levels of total mercury (THg) in Spanish samples of baby food, fast food, and daily meal, which people of different ages consume, to evaluate potential toxicological risks through the contribution to the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of this element. The total mercury concentrations were determined in thirteen commercial baby foods for infants 6 to 12 months old, six kinds of fast foods prepared for children, and nine canteen menus prepared for adults. Samples were homogenized, freeze-dried, and analyzed using a direct mercury analyzer (DMA). The concentration ranges found were as follows: baby food (0.57-41.9 µg kg -1 ), fast food (0.54-67.7 µg kg -1 ), and adult menus (0.43-638 µg kg -1 ). The recovery of different amounts of spiked mercury ranged from 98.6% to 104.9%, and the accuracy of the method was checked with an analysis of different certified reference materials. The contribution of the samples to the TDI of mercury varied as follows: baby food (0.3-27.8%), fast food (0.5-102.2%), and adult menus (0.3-395.7%). Therefore, it was concluded that total mercury daily intake does not pose risks to Spanish infants, not adults, if not tuna was included on the menu, and it must be taken care of with fast food.