Objective: To investigate the lead and cadmium pollution in edible mushrooms sold in Beijing.
Methods: 146 samples of 14 species were collected form 25 markets during the period of Mar. through May, 2007 in Beijing. The pollution of lead and cadmium were analyzed respectively according to the standard of GB/T5009. 12-2003 and GB 7096-2003.
Results: The content of lead and cadmium in edible mushrooms was ND--1.592 mg/kg, ND--0.550 mg/kg, respectively, both lower than the allowable content prescribed by The National Ministry of Health.
Conclusion: The contents of lead and cadmium in the mushrooms marketed in Beijing are in safe ranges. It is worthy of mentioning the variation coefficients of heavy metal concentrations existing in edible mushrooms.