Arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in canned sardines commercially available in eastern Kentucky, USA

► Total As, Cd, Pb and Hg in canned sardines within ranges of other studies. ► As highest in samples from Norway (1.87 μg/g) and Thailand (1.63 μg/g). ► Cd highest in Moroccan (0.07 μg/g), Pb in Canadian (0.27 μg/g); Hg not detected. ► Lack of established limits for As and Cd in fish restricts interpretation of results. ► Rise of small pelagics in human diet warrants more scrutiny on their metal content.