Nutrients and chemical residues in an Egyptian total mixed diet

A mixed diet composite (EGYPT-DIET95) was prepared to represent the intake of Egyptian urban adults. Proximate analyses and assays for selected toxic elements, as well as organic chloro compounds, were carried out on this composite using well established methods and certified RMs (reference materials). The analysis of the composite diet demonstrates its usefulness for assessment of daily intakes. Calculated daily intakes of toxic substances were compared with the Acceptable Daily Intake of Codex Alimentarius (1984). The amounts of mercury and nitrates in Egyptian total-diet samples are of health concern.