Copper in fruit and vegetable products intended for human consumption and sold in the local market in the Republic of Serbia, 2015–2019

The concentration of copper (Cu) was determined in 110 samples of fruit (n = 31) and vegetable products (n = 79), collected during the period from January 2015 to December 2019. Fruit and vegetable products originate from 17 countries, including Serbia. Samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Measurable levels of Cu were found in all analysed samples. Overall, Cu levels ranged from 0.065 to 14.050 mg kg -1 , with an average of 1.314 mg kg -1 . Only 3 (2.73%) of fruit and vegetable products exceeded the maximum levels set by Serbian Regulation which was valid until the end of 2019.