Assessment of Selected Trace Metals in Commonly Consumed Canned and Raw Food Products in Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

The current study uses a flame atomic absorption spectrometer to quantify seven trace elements—Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), and Calcium (Ca) in canned and raw food products sold in Sukkur and Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan. Current study results were compared to WHO/FAO maximum and minimum limits. Most samples were contaminated with trace elements (likely from anthropogenic activities, local industries, and brick kilns) and exceeded the allowable limits. Food products had varied metal content. In canned food products, Cr was max in peas (6.99 mg/kg) and min in pineapple (3.08 mg/kg), Co was max in pineapple (3.11 mg/kg) and min in honey (1.50 mg/kg), Zn was max in tamarind (5.77 mg/kg) and min in pineapple and mushroom (2.95 mg/kg), Mn was max in ginger (0.39 mg/kg) and min in pineapple and mangoes (0.24 mg/kg), Na was max in ginger (167 mg/kg) and min in honey (76.7 mg/kg), and K was max in tamarind (4942 mg/kg) and min in honey (76.7 mg In raw food products, Cr was highest in carrot (6.21 mg/kg) and lowest in pineapple (3.08 mg/kg), Co was highest in pineapple (3.24 mg/kg) and lowest in carrot (1.14 mg/kg), Zn was highest in carrot (6.33 mg/kg) and lowest in pineapple and honey (2.96 mg/kg), Mn was highest in ginger (0.41 mg/kg) and lowest in honey (0.24 mg/kg), Na was highest in garlic (202 mg/kg) and lowest in strawberries (65.1 mg/kg), and K was highest in tamarind (4963 mg/kg) and lowest in butter. In conclusion, to ensure public safety, these elements must be monitored in canned and raw food products