Purest Electrolyte Sea Salt Test Results
By Purest Electrolyte
Our sourcing in Guérande France
We take our sourcing very seriously. We traveled to Guérande, France, to meet our salt farmers, see how our sea salt is processed, watch testing and talk with them about how the salt is tested.
Our sea salt from France was tested for lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury. All four results were below the limits listed on its certificate of analysis. The results report trace amounts, and we are sharing the exact numbers and full certificate below.
Our French sea salt contains sodium, magnesium, potassium and calcium. These minerals play roles in fluid balance, nerve signals and muscle function. Sea salt is mostly sodium chloride. The full mineral analysis appears in the certificate below.
Heavy metal results
These results describe the sea salt ingredient listed in the certificate. The certificate is dated 4/8/2024 and marked valid through 1/5/2025.
| Metal | Reported result in sea salt | Specification printed on the certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | 0.57 ppm | Less than 1.00 ppm |
| Arsenic | 0.06 ppm | Less than 0.50 ppm |
| Cadmium | Less than 0.01 ppm | Less than 0.50 ppm |
| Mercury | Less than 0.005 ppm | Less than 0.10 ppm |
The reported amounts of lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury are all below the limits shown on this certificate.
Why sea salt is tested
These elements can occur naturally in soil and water. Human activity can also add to their levels. They can enter food ingredients from the environment. The FDA explains how these metals can get into food.
What the numbers mean
PPM means parts per million. For a solid ingredient, 1 ppm equals 1 microgram per gram. The lead result of 0.57 ppm means 0.57 micrograms of lead per gram of the salt described in this certificate.
Less than 0.01 ppm means the amount was reported as below that level. It does not mean zero.
Common questions
Did the salt meet the listed heavy metal limits
Yes. All four reported heavy metal results are below the limits printed on this certificate.
How small are the reported amounts
The test found very small amounts of lead and arsenic in the sea salt. The numbers in the table show how much was found. Cadmium and mercury were reported as less than the amounts shown. All four reported amounts were below one part per million by weight.
For scale, 0.57 ppm lead equals 0.000057% of the salt’s weight. The arsenic result of 0.06 ppm equals 0.000006%. These are very small fractions by weight. Trace amounts means small amounts are present or may be present, rather than a result of zero.
Trace metals in everyday foods
Trace metals can be found in everyday foods, including rice, spinach, other vegetables and seafood.
Sources
French grey sea salt certificate of analysis, lot L0840215, dated 4/8/2024 and marked valid through 1/5/2025. The full analysis summary is included below.
FDA Environmental Contaminants in Food
FDA Cadmium in Food and Foodwares
FDA food testing averages from 2018 to 2020
FDA mercury measurements in seafood
Purest sea salt certificate
Certificate of analysis summary
Origin: France. Ingredient: Sea salt. Lot code: L0840215.
Source certificate date: 4/8/2024. Source valid through: 1/5/2025.
Date of manufacture: 8/19/2024. Invoice date: 8/23/2024.
Chemical analysis
| Parameter | Result | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Chloride (Cl) | 60.20 % | NS** |
| Sodium (Na) | 36.30 % | NS** |
| Sodium Chloride (NaCl) | 99.23 % | > 97.0 % |
| Calcium (Ca) | 0.20 % | NS** |
| Iodine (I) | < 0.00005 % | NS** |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.53 % | NS** |
| Potassium (K) | 0.14 % | NS** |
| Insolubles | 0.11 % | NS** |
| Moisture | 1.54 % | NS** |
| Arsenic (As) | 0.06 ppm | < 0.50 ppm |
| Cadmium (Cd) | < 0.01 ppm | < 0.50 ppm |
| Copper (Cu) | < 0.08 ppm | < 2.00 ppm |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.22 ppm | < 0.50 ppm |
| Lead (Pb) | 0.57 ppm | < 1.00 ppm |
| Mercury (Hg) | < 0.005 ppm | < 0.10 ppm |
NS means no specification under CODEX STAN 150:1985. Specifications are based on Codex Stan 150:1985. Values may not total 100% because of rounding.
Particle size
| Grain | Low average | High average |
|---|---|---|
| Velvet | 0.0 mm | 0.2 mm |
| Fine | 0.3 mm | 1.0 mm |
| Tamisé* | 1.0 mm | 3.0 mm |
| Brut | 2.0 mm | 5.0 mm |
Tamisé is the grade marked on the source certificate.
Testing notes
Chemical analysis and microbial testing are performed once per year. The supplier states that testing of a specific lot requires additional time and cost.
Summary of the supplier’s sea salt certificate. Results and dates are reproduced as reported.
Choosing a clean sea salt electrolyte
If you are looking for a sea salt electrolyte that is low in heavy metals, compare the actual test numbers and what was tested. Look at the ingredient list too. Explore our ingredients and sourcing, and read more about Purest.
