Assessment of Human Health Risk Based on Analysis of Potentially Toxic Elements in African Foods Sold in the UK Market.
Publication Date: 03/12/2025
Author(s): Eid I. Brima, Parvez I. Haris, Michael Frei.
Volume/Issue: Volume 8, Issue 3 (2025)
Page No: 115-136
Journal: African Journal of Agriculture and Food Science (AJAFS)
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.
