This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of lead, cadmium, zinc, copper and iron in foodstuffs by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) after microwave digestion. The method is applicable to determination in various types of foodstuffs. The method is not applicable to oils, fats and other extremely fatty products. The method has been successfully tested in an interlaboratory trial in which 16 laboratories participated [1]. Foodstuffs covered by the validation of the method include composite diets, cereals, fish, beef, milk and fungi. Specific foodstuffs for which European Standards exist are excluded from the scope of this horizontal European Standard. It is the task of the analyst to review if vertical standards exist.