[Arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead and selenium in slaughtered animals: an overview of a 10-year study].

A large number of organs of slaughtered animals were examined for heavy metals, arsenic and selenium during the period from 1970 to 1980. In the present paper, the arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead and selenium levels determined in porcine and bovine kidneys and livers as well as in porcine brain are reviewed. The following median levels (in mg/kg of fresh product) of the various elements were determined: (table; see text) In a number of cases, organs and meat from the same animal were studied; the levels in meat were much lower than those in organs in every case. A constant ratio between the levels of the elements in meat and those in organs was not observed.