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16.09.2022 - Foods

Lead in Pheasant Meat - Risk from Heavy Metals in Game Meat and Other Foods

A study has found that pheasants hunted with lead shot contain many lead fragments that are too small to be identified by sight or touch and are too far from the shot to be removed without discarding a large portion of otherwise usable meat.

Lead is toxic to humans when absorbed by the body - there is no known safe level of exposure. Lead accumulates in the body over time and can cause long-term damage, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and kidney damage in adults. It is known to lower the IQ of young children and impair the neurological development of unborn children.

In the European Contaminants Regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006, maximum levels for lead, cadmium, mercury, tin, and arsenic are set for numerous foods due to these and other effects of heavy metals on the body. According to this regulation, foodstuffs exceeding these maximum levels may not be used as food ingredients.

Further links:

• Which foods are contaminated with heavy metals?
• Metals as contaminants in food

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct tests for heavy metals. We provide you with fast and reliable results and are happy to advise you on all matters concerning product safety. Our customer advisors are happy to assist you with any questions.

Source: Yumda: FOOD AND DRINK BUSINESS INFO: "Pheasant meat sold as food contains many tiny fragments of toxic lead"