Chemical contaminants can be additives or other substances that are found in foods during food processing. The safety of the US food supply is dependent on government standards that regulate food additives and remove chemical contaminants. Monitoring of both domestic and imported foods during food processing is critical to ensuring only high-quality foods are available to consumers. For example, whole foods that are processed, such as fresh fruit cups, must meet food safety standards prior to distribution to retailers. The National Agricultural Library's Food Safety Research Information Office (FSRIO) helps you stay up to date on research and information about chemical contaminants.