Dietary exposure and health risks of heavy metals in canned animal-based food products from Erbil city, Iraq

Abstract

Heavy metals are toxic environmental pollutants that can enter the human body through the food chain and cause serious health risks. This study determined the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, and Hg in canned fish, meat, and cheese products sold in Erbil, Iraq, using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS). Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks were assessed using standard indices based on FAO, WHO, and USEPA guidelines. Hg levels in canned fish ranged from 0.35 to 0.45 mg/kg, approaching 90% of the FAO/WHO permissible limit. Pb and Cr concentrations in canned meat, ranging from 0.12 to 0.22 mg/kg and 0.20 to 0.32 mg/kg, respectively, exceeded acceptable limits. Cd levels were lower in cheese, although some brands surpassed FAO/WHO limits. Hazard index values indicated moderate to high non-carcinogenic risks for fish (2.22-2.88) and meat (3.80-4.26), while cheese showed lower but concerning values (1.23-2.40). The total incremental lifetime cancer risk for Pb, Cd, and Cr in fish and meat slightly exceeded the USEPA acceptable range. These findings highlight the need for stricter monitoring of canned animal-based foods in developing countries.

KEY WORDS: Canned foods, Carcinogenic risk, Health risk assessment, Heavy metals, Public health

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2026, 40(11), 2371-2380                                                  

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v40i11.7