An Overview on the Contamination of Poultry Meat with Heavy Metals: A Review

Abstract

Poultry meat and their meat products are considered as major sources of animal derived protein, essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. However, poultry meat might act as a vehicle for a vast array of xenobiotics such as heavy metals. The latter are specifically characterized by their bioaccumulation and biomagnification nature. Several toxic metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As) have several toxicological implications if ingested. In Egypt, several avian species are consumed as meat sources including chicken, quails, ducks, and turkeys. In this review, we would like to throw the light on the current scenario of the contamination of the poultry meat with such toxic metals in Egypt and worldwide. Besides, the public health significance of such toxic metals was also discussed.