Estimation of Heavy Metal Contents in the Retailed Meat Products in Zagazig City, Egypt

Abstract

A significant source of high quality animal protein, vitamins, and minerals are meat products. However, during the course of production or during the life of the animals used to produce the meat for these businesses, heavy metals may be present in meat products. The amount of dangerous metals like lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and trace elements like copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) that remain in such items is obviously unknown. In order to determine the residual Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn concentrations in three meat products, pasterma, luncheon and sausage, this study was carried out. Additionally, for Egyptian consumers, estimated daily intakes (EDI) and potential health concerns associated with consuming such meat products were calculated. The obtained results showed that the evaluated products were contaminated with the tested metals at varying rates. The highest Cd, Cu, and Zn contents and contamination levels were generally seen in pasterma. While Pb contamination rates at luncheons were highest. The maximum allowable limits for heavy metal residues were not exceeded in any samples. The calculated estimated daily intakes, hazard ratio, and hazard index did not identify any potential concerns related to Egyptian consumers' consumption of such meat products.