Assessment of Human Health Risk Based on Analysis of Potentially Toxic Elements in African Foods Sold in the UK Market.

Eid I. Brima; Parvez I. Haris; Michael Frei

doi:10.52589/AJAFS-TWSMWEGM

Assessment of Human Health Risk Based on Analysis of Potentially Toxic Elements in African Foods Sold in the UK Market.

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African Journal of Agriculture and Food Science

Vol. 8Issue 32025pp. 115–136Published 2 December 2025

DOI 10.52589/AJAFS-TWSMWEGM

Research Article

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Abstract:

Toxic elements (TEs), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) were determined in African foods sold in the UK and consumed by African communities. The average concentrations (µg/g) of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in agricultural products, fishery products, spices, and non-food additives were as follows: As (0.1, 15.4, 0.13, and 2.3), Cd (0.6, 0.3, 0.1, and 0.03), Hg (not detected, 0.07, 0.1, and not detected), and Pb (0.3, 0.12, 0.15, and 3.8), respectively. Hazard quotient (HQ) calculations showed that Prawn, Kaun, and Calabash samples exceeded safety thresholds for As, while only Calabash exceeded safety thresholds for Pb. Regarding Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR), 16%, 4%, and 2% of the total analysed samples (n =152) exceeded the guideline value for Pb, As, and Cd, respectively. In conclusion, this study highlights the presence of toxic elements in certain African foods that may pose significant long-term health risks.

Keywords:Toxic elements Africa Foods Health ICP-MS HQ ILCR.

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