Review of toxic trace elements contamination in some animal food products in different countries

Abstract

Meat, chicken, eggs and milk are all important foods worldwide because of their energetic and nutritious constituents beneficial to human health. This review aims to analyze the results of the studies carried out on the contamination of these foods (meat, chicken, eggs and milk) by the toxic trace elements As, Cd and Pb in different countries, and to compare their values with the international regulatory limits. According to the data of the various studies analyzed, all the studied matrices have been contaminated with these toxic metals. The concentrations reported differ for each matrix according to their analyzed tissues, their geographical location, their age and the food types chosen. The concentrations involved also are highly dependent on the studied trace element. Most of the reported concentrations in these foods exceed the international regulatory thresholds. Therefore, it is important to perform regular monitoring studies for all these foodstuffs along with corresponding health risk assessment estimates as well as carrying out studies to better identify the origin of the high levels of these contaminants and seek solutions to prevent major human poisonings and to ensure the safety of these foods.

Keywords

• environmental contaminants
• food
• heavy metals
• health risk assessment
• regulatory thresholds