Mulberry Fruit and Lead in Soil - Ask Extension
I have a mulberry tree in my backyard (Baltimore City) that produces a ton of fruit that I would like to use. However, I had my soil tested, and there...
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Mulberry Fruit and Lead in Soil #903928
Asked June 02, 2025, 12:18 PM EDT
I have a mulberry tree in my backyard (Baltimore City) that produces a ton of fruit that I would like to use. However, I had my soil tested, and there are large amounts of lead contaimation. I know the main risk for lead contamination is ingesting lead that may be on the plants, but I know that some plants actually take up the lead into their roots, stems, leaves, fruit, etc. Can you provide any advice regarding the safety of mulberries, assuming that they have not been in contact with the soil and are picked straight from the tree? Thanks!
Baltimore City County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi- lead (Pb) can be taken up plant roots and deposited in tissues. Research suggests that fruits are less likely to be contaminated than roots and leaves.
There have been a number of studies looking at heavy metal uptake by mulberry species. But they don't answer your question: Are your mulberries safe to eat?
U.S. FDA guidelines for maximum allowable levels of lead in fruits and vegetables eaten by children:
https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/guidance-industry-action-levels-lead-processed-food-intended-babies-and-young-children
You would need to have your fruit tested for lead levels to be certain it was safe to eat.
Jon
There have been a number of studies looking at heavy metal uptake by mulberry species. But they don't answer your question: Are your mulberries safe to eat?
U.S. FDA guidelines for maximum allowable levels of lead in fruits and vegetables eaten by children:
https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/guidance-industry-action-levels-lead-processed-food-intended-babies-and-young-children
You would need to have your fruit tested for lead levels to be certain it was safe to eat.
Jon
