Heavy Metals in Food and Food Systems

Heavy Metals in Food and Food Systems: Assessment, Risks, Regulations, and Sustainable Mitigation Strategies offers a timely, authoritative examination of how toxic metals enter the food chain, the risks they pose, and strategies to reduce exposure. With increasing environmental contamination, understanding pathways from soil, water, and air to food products is essential. This book provides tools for assessing contamination, navigating regulatory standards, and implementing mitigation measures to protect public health and ensure food safety globally. The content is organized into four parts: sources and pathways of heavy metal contamination; transfer during agricultural practices and food processing; detection methods and risk assessment; and governance, mitigation, and future challenges. It covers contamination sources, analytical techniques, exposure risks, and international regulations. Real-world case studies and innovations highlight practical solutions for reducing heavy metal risks across the food system. This book is an essential resource for researchers, faculty, and industry professionals in food science, toxicology, environmental health, and policy. It supports graduate education and helps policymakers develop effective strategies to safeguard food supplies and promote sustainable practices worldwide.