The presence of metals in tomatoes is not dangerous.

A recent study reveals that the presence of metals in tomatoes is not dangerous.

An investigation by the University of the Basque Country has concluded that the amount of toxic materials found in tomatoes grown in the Basque Country is lower than the concentration recorded in other areas of the world and does not harm health..

In recent years, the level of metal contamination in vegetables has increased., most consumed element in Euskadi, as stated by the UPV in a press release.

This data, coupled with the fact that tomato is the most consumed vegetable of all and the one that would contain the highest concentration of metals, has raised concerns about its effects on human health.

Researchers from the IBeA group at the University of the Basque Country have carried out an analysis of the relationship between the contaminants in the soil and those present in tomatoes., as well as the possible risk that this data poses.

IBea has carried out sampling in thirteen growing areas in Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa, specifically in Donostia, where concentrations of lead and zinc linked to former mining activity were found.

In the rest of the places analyzed, The concentrations were lower than the maximum established by European legislation, much lower than the rest of the world in the case of tomatoes.

The UPV has also highlighted that in Zamudio the highest levels of copper were found in tomatoes; However, This value does not pose any danger due to the average consumption and low toxicity., which corresponds to 0.5% of the recommended daily consumption.

The research has concluded that there is no relationship between the metal content of the soil and tomatoes, i.e., “The presence of these elements in crop land does not imply accumulation in its fruits”.