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Health Tips: Vegetables are often considered an important part of a healthy diet. But are they always safe? A recent study has raised serious concerns. Of the 72 vegetable samples collected from markets in and around Bengaluru, 19 were found to contain lead, a toxic heavy metal that poses a serious threat to human health.

Vegetables are often seen as a key part of a healthy diet—but are they always safe? A recent study raises serious concerns. Out of 72 vegetable samples collected from markets in and around Bengaluru, 19 were found to contain lead, a toxic heavy metal that poses serious risks to human health.

Health Tips: The vegetable samples were analyzed in a lab supervised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). 11 heavy metals, 3 essential minerals and about 230 types of pesticides were tested in the questionnaire. Among the vegetables in which lead was found above the safe level, brinjal had the highest concentration. Other vegetables included gourd, radish, beetroot, cabbage, capsicum, chilli, cucumber, jute leaves, knol shell and pumpkin.

The vegetable samples were analyzed in a laboratory approved by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The tests screened for 11 heavy metals, 3 essential minerals, and nearly 230 types of pesticides.

Apart from lead testing, 70 vegetable samples were also tested for pesticides. It is a matter of concern that the level of pesticide in 10 of these samples was more than the prescribed limit, which increased further concerns regarding food safety.

Among the vegetables that exceeded safe lead levels, brinjal (eggplant) showed the highest concentration. Other vegetables with excessive lead included Bottle gourd, Beans, Beetroot, Cabbage, Capsicum, Chillies, Cucumber, Jute leaves (saluyot leaves), Knol-khol, Squash.

Experienced people said that when lead contaminates the soil or water, the plants absorb it through their vegetables. Once ingested, the metal becomes part of the vegetable seeds, which means it cannot be removed simply by washing or peeling.

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Besides lead testing, 70 vegetable samples were also screened for pesticides. Alarmingly, 10 of these samples contained pesticide levels above the permissible limit, raising further concerns about food safety.

Lead is very poisonous to humans. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), lead exposure affected more than 1.5 million people worldwide in 2021, many of which were linked to heart disease. Children are especially at risk because high levels of lead can damage the nervous system, impair brain development, and impair thinking.

Some safety tips to reduce lead exposure in the body:

Some safety measures to reduce lead exposure.

While internal contamination in vegetables can't always be fully removed, thoroughly washing them can help eliminate surface dirt and some harmful residues. Parents should also focus on giving children a balanced diet rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C, as these nutrients can help reduce the harmful effects of lead exposure on the body.

It’s not always possible to completely remove all the dirt from vegetables, but washing them thoroughly can help remove dirt and some harmful residue. Parents should also ensure that their children get a balanced diet rich in iron, calcium and vitamin C, as these nutrients help reduce the harmful effects of lead on the body.

Regular health check-ups and timely testing are crucial, particularly if there's a possibility of consuming contaminated food or water.

Regular health checkups and timely testing are very important, especially if there is a possibility of consuming spoiled food or water.

First Published:

March 10, 2026, 10:56 IST



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