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Trace Elements and Emerging Contaminants in Sustainable Food Systems: Risks, Regulations, and Remediation

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A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Security and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 October 2026 | Viewed by 4180

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Editors

Dr. Cristina Couto

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Guest Editor

1. Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences—CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
2. UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Forensics and Biomedical Sciences Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
3. LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
Interests: food quality and safety; food toxicology; water; soil; flora; trace elements; environmental monitoring; metallic nanoparticles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Sandra Leal

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Guest Editor

1. Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences—CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
2. UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Forensics and Biomedical Sciences Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
Interests: risk factors; eating behaviors; nutrition status; metabolism; neurochemistry; biomarkers, food quality and safety; food toxicology; trace elements; environmental monitoring; prevention and control

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to a forthcoming Special Issue of Foods, titled “Trace Elements and Emerging Contaminants in Sustainable Food Systems: Risks, Regulations, and Remediation.” This Special Issue aims to explore the multifaceted challenges and opportunities surrounding trace elements and emerging contaminants in the context of sustainable food production and consumption. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and case studies that address topics including, but not limited to, the following: occurrence and behaviour of trace elements and contaminants in food systems, analytical methods for detection and quantification, toxicological and nutritional implications, regulatory frameworks and risk assessment strategies, innovative remediation and mitigation approaches, impacts on public health and food security. We kindly encourage you to submit your contributions.

Dr. Cristina Couto
Dr. Sandra Leal
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

trace elements
emerging contaminants
nutrients
safety
toxicity
sustainable food systems
risks
regulations
remediation

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 2131 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Essential and Toxic Elements in Commercial Diet Catering Meal Plants in Poland: Compliance with Nutritional Recommendations

by Dominika Patrycja Dobiecka, Monika Grabia-Lis, Justyna Moskwa, Martyna Falkowska, Katarzyna Socha and Sylwia Katarzyna Naliwajko

Foods 2026, 15(14), 2459; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15142459 - 11 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Commercial meal delivery diets are increasingly used as a convenient alternative to home-prepared meals. However, limited data are available regarding their mineral composition and potential exposure to toxic elements. This study aimed to evaluate the content of selected essential minerals (Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Se and Zn) and toxic elements (Cd and Pb) in daily food rations (DFRs) offered by selected commercial catering services in Poland. Methods: DFRs representing three dietary models (Hashimoto, DASH, and low-carb diets) were collected from commercial catering providers. Concentrations of essential minerals were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), whereas toxic elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Mineral adequacy was assessed using Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) reference values. Exposure to toxic elements was evaluated using Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), estimated weekly Intake (EWI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Carcinogenic Risk (CR) indices. Results: Ca was the nutrient most frequently supplied in insufficient amounts, with 80–98% of analyzed meal plans failing to meet the EAR. In contrast, the remaining minerals were generally supplied in adequate amounts. Nevertheless, excessive intake of selected minerals was observed in some dietary models, with up to 37% of DASH diets exceeding the UL for Zn and approximately 32% of Hashimoto diets exceeding the UL for Cu. Although Cd and Pb were detected in all analyzed DFRs, THQ and CR values indicated negligible health risk. Conclusions: The analyzed meal delivery diets generally provided adequate amounts of most investigated minerals and did not pose a significant health risk related to Cd or Pb exposure. However, these findings apply only to the analyzed meal plans and should not be generalized to all commercial catering services or seasonal menu cycles in Poland. The widespread inadequacy of Ca intake and the occurrence of excessive Zn and Cu intake in selected dietary models highlight the need for improved nutritional quality control of commercially prepared diets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trace Elements and Emerging Contaminants in Sustainable Food Systems: Risks, Regulations, and Remediation)

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16 pages, 7001 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bioaccessibility and Risk Assessment of Trace Elements in Mealworms Using Continuous On-Line Leaching Coupled with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

by Qiqi Zhang, Ellen Mcgivern and Diane Beauchemin

Foods 2026, 15(9), 1556; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15091556 - 30 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) is considered a sustainable protein source and classified as a non-novel food by Health Canada. However, data on safe consumption levels based on bioaccessible metal(loid) concentrations are limited. In this study, a modified continuous on-line leaching method (COLM) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) was developed to quantify bioaccessible Cr, As, Se, and Cd in mealworm powder. Samples were packed into a transparent polypropylene flash column and sequentially leached with artificial saliva and gastric juice at 37 °C to simulate gastrointestinal digestion, with continuous monitoring of released elements by ICPMS. The proposed method required approximately 70 min per sample as opposed to over 2 h with conventional batch methods. Whereas the bioaccessible concentration of Se was negligible, 13 ± 5 µg/kg Cr, 18 ± 5 µg/kg As and 18 ± 6 µg/kg Cd were released, representing 14%, 15%, and 26% of their total concentration, respectively. Mass balance was verified for Cr, As, Se, and Cd, demonstrating the reliability of the method. Additionally, different sources of elements were revealed by plotting the temporal profile of one element versus that of another element for each gastro-intestinal fluid. A preliminary quantitative risk assessment indicated that adults can safely consume 105 g mealworm per day. Although no significant noncarcinogenic risk was identified, the incremental lifetime cancer risk of 5.2 × 10⁻⁶ for As and 1 × 10⁻⁶ for Cr exceeds or equals the Ontario threshold, indicating potential concern. This study is the first to apply the COLM to mealworm while integrating bioaccessibility data for a more realistic risk assessment. However, back-pressure issues result in a relative standard deviation up to 39%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trace Elements and Emerging Contaminants in Sustainable Food Systems: Risks, Regulations, and Remediation)

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16 pages, 9211 KB

Open AccessArticle

Inorganic Arsenic in Rice-Based Beverages: Occurrence in Products Available on the Italian Market and Dietary Exposure Assessment

by Marilena D’Amato, Anna Chiara Turco, Teresa D’Amore, Francesco Vitale, Federico Marini, Paolo Stacchini and Angela Sorbo

Foods 2026, 15(2), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15020383 - 21 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Arsenic occurs in food in both inorganic (iAs) and organic (oAs) forms. Inorganic arsenic is highly toxic and classified as carcinogenic to humans, whereas oAs species, such as arsenobetaine (AB), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), generally exhibit lower toxicity. Rice and rice-based products represent major contributors to dietary iAs exposure. Within this context, the present study provides an updated assessment of the occurrence of iAs and oAs in rice-based beverages available on the Italian market. A method for the simultaneous determination of iAs, AB, DMA, and MMA was developed and validated, and it exhibits adequate sensitivity to ensure robust occurrence data, eliminating left-censoring for iAs. A comprehensive analysis of twenty-five representative rice-based beverages was conducted, revealing that the contamination profiles exhibited a high degree of homogeneity, with iAs as the predominant species. All samples complied with the European maximum level for iAs in non-alcoholic rice-based beverages. When combined with recent Italian consumption data, these results enabled age-specific dietary exposure assessment. Although rice drinks contribute marginally to overall population exposure, estimated intakes for regular consumers in early childhood are associated with a small margin of exposure, raising potential concern for vulnerable subgroups. The increasing diversification of dietary habits and the rising consumption of plant-based beverages point to the necessity of continuous monitoring of iAs. Ongoing efforts in monitoring studies, updated food consumption surveys, and effective risk communication are essential to refine exposure assessment and thereby enhance public health protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trace Elements and Emerging Contaminants in Sustainable Food Systems: Risks, Regulations, and Remediation)

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18 pages, 814 KB

Open AccessReview

Edible Insects: Food Safety Challenges and Regulatory Perspectives

by Sara A. M. Silva, Vasco T. Esteves, Tiago Ribeiro, José Andrade, Cristina Couto and Joana C. Prata

Foods 2026, 15(11), 2018; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15112018 - 4 Jun 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1273

Abstract

Edible insects have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional livestock as the global demand for sustainable protein sources rises. Ensuring the safety of insect-based foods is crucial for consumer acceptance and regulatory approval. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the primary chemical and microbiological contaminants associated with edible insects, including heavy metals, pesticides, veterinary drugs, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), mycotoxins, microbiological hazards, and allergenic risks. Current evidence indicates that, when insects are farmed and processed under controlled conditions and in compliance with existing European Union regulations, contaminant levels are generally low and within the range of those found in traditional animal-derived foods. Most studies report that current risks are primarily linked to substrate quality and storage practices. Allergenic risks, particularly cross-reactivity with crustacean and mite allergens, remain a crucial consideration for individuals with sensitivities. Despite these reassuring findings, knowledge gaps persist regarding insect-specific contaminant limits, the metabolic fate of toxins, and the long-term safety of consuming novel insect-derived products. Continued research, targeted monitoring, and regulatory adaptation will be essential to ensure the safe and sustainable integration of insect-based foods into the human diet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trace Elements and Emerging Contaminants in Sustainable Food Systems: Risks, Regulations, and Remediation)

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