FDA Total Diet Study, April 1982-April 1984, dietary intakes of pesticides, selected elements, and other chemicals.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducts the Total Diet Study to determine dietary intakes of selected pesticides, industrial chemicals, and elements (including radionuclides). The current study, which reflects significant redesign implemented in April 1982, involves retail purchase of foods representative of the "total diet" of the U.S. population, preparation for "table-ready" consumption, and individual analyses of 234 items depicting the diets of 8 population groups. The dietary revision was based on 2 nationwide food consumption surveys. The data presented represent 8 food collections (also termed "market baskets") in regional metropolitan areas during the 2-year period. Dietary intakes of over 100 analytes are presented for the 8 population groups, which range from infants to elderly adults. Intakes of selected population groups are compared with representative previous findings. As in the past, average daily intakes are within acceptable limits.