Health risk of heavy metals in food crops grown on reclaimed tidal flat soil in the Pearl River Estuary, China

► Rice and root vegetables in reclaimed soil were severely polluted by heavy metals. ► The accumulation factor of Cd was the highest compared with five other metals. ► The health risk index of Cd and Cu considerably exceeded the allowable level. ► The health risks of all metals mostly stems from rice consumption. ► The health risk of heavy metals in reclaimed areas should be of greater concern.