Clinical Pharmacist and Master’s student in Clinical Pharmacy with research interests in pharmacovigilance, behavioral interventions in mental health, and AI applications in clinical decision support. Experience includes digital health research with Bloomsbury Health (London) and pharmacovigilance practice in patient support programs. Published work covers drug awareness among healthcare providers, postpartum depression management, and patient safety reporting. 
Clinical Pharmacist and Master’s student in Clinical Pharmacy with research interests in pharmacovigilance, behavioral interventions in mental health, and AI applications in clinical decision support. Experience includes digital health research with Bloomsbury Health (London) and pharmacovigilance practice in patient support programs. Published work covers drug awareness among healthcare providers, postpartum depression management, and patient safety reporting. What was studied?
This original research article examines a collaborative approach to addressing heavy metal contamination, specifically cadmium, in fresh produce—focusing on spinach and carrots grown in Arizona and California. The study summarizes the proceedings and key takeaways from a multi-stakeholder workshop convened in October 2023. This workshop brought together representatives from the produce industry, government agencies, academia, and consumer groups to discuss the current understanding of cadmium levels in these vegetables, associated human health risks, agricultural practices influencing cadmium uptake, and available or emerging mitigation strategies. The study provides a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing cadmium presence in produce, methods for reducing cadmium uptake, and the roles and expectations of various stakeholders in ensuring food safety, especially for infants and children. The findings have direct implications for heavy metal certification programs by clarifying scientific, regulatory, and practical aspects of cadmium management in produce supply chains.
Who was studied?
The study centers on a collaborative workshop attended by around 40 participants, including federal and state regulators (such as the FDA and USDA), state agricultural departments from Arizona and California, produce industry representatives, academic researchers, medical professionals, consumer advocates, and seed company representatives. The focus is on spinach and carrot producers in Arizona and California—regions responsible for the majority of U.S. production of these crops. The stakeholders examined include those directly involved in growing, processing, and regulating produce, as well as those conducting scientific research on cadmium in food systems. This diverse group provided insights reflecting the perspectives, concerns, and responsibilities of each sector, with special attention to the health of infants and children as vulnerable consumers.
Most important findings
| Critical Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Cadmium prevalence and health risks | FDA surveys found detectable cadmium in 65% of baby food samples, with spinach and carrots showing the highest levels. Chronic cadmium exposure targets kidneys and bones; data on developmental effects in children are limited. Cadmium’s half-life in humans averages 14 years, making exposure cumulative and difficult to reverse. |
| Sources and uptake of cadmium in produce | Cadmium is naturally present in soil, water, and the atmosphere, and is elevated by anthropogenic sources (fertilizers, industrial activity). Soil type, pH, organic matter, and zinc content influence plant uptake. Spinach and carrots accumulate more cadmium than many other crops, with leafy greens being the most affected. |
| Regulatory context and current standards | The FDA’s “Closer to Zero” initiative is setting action levels for heavy metals in infant and children’s foods. Current regulatory limits exist for water but not universally for produce; California requires monthly cadmium testing in baby foods. The FDA has established oral reference values for cadmium exposure but further research is needed to set produce-specific action levels. |
| Mitigation strategies and research gaps | Promising mitigation includes zinc fertilization, soil liming, breeding low-cadmium cultivars, and using irrigation water with low chloride. Effectiveness varies with local soil and crop characteristics. Researchers recommend avoiding spinach and carrots in soils with cadmium above 2 ppm. There are knowledge gaps in crop-specific uptake, soil cadmium mapping, and bioavailability research. |
| Stakeholder collaboration and challenges | Effective reduction of cadmium in produce requires industry-regulator trust, transparent data sharing, and joint research. Confidentiality of industry data is a barrier. Stakeholders need clear roles and improved communication. Industry’s role is central in sampling and implementing mitigation, while regulators must provide clear, science-based guidance and support. |
Key implications
The study highlights that successful heavy metal certification, particularly for cadmium in produce, necessitates robust collaboration among industry, regulators, and researchers. Certification programs must account for regional soil variability, encourage adoption of evidence-based mitigation, and foster secure data sharing while balancing transparency and confidentiality. Continuous improvement in standards and practices is vital for protecting vulnerable consumers.
Citation
Leaman SM, McEntire JC, Abley M, Choiniere C, Draper A, Krout-Greenberg N, Lopez T, Davis DA. Collaborating to Address Heavy Metals in Fresh Produce Supply—A Case Study of Cadmium in Spinach and Carrots Grown in Arizona and California. Food Protection Trends. 2025;45(1):19-26. doi:10.4315/FPT-24-026
Heavy metals are high-density elements that accumulate in the body and environment, disrupting biological processes. Lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, nickel, tin, aluminum, and chromium are of greatest concern due to persistence, bioaccumulation, and health risks, making them central to the HMTC program’s safety standards.
