Authors : A. Inobeme, P.A. Obigwa, E. Olori, C. Eziukwu and O. Bamigboye
Abstract: The present study examined the effect of smoking on heavy metal content of beef, chicken and goat meat from selected areas in Edo State, Nigeria. Fresh and smoked meat samples were collected together and analyzed for the concentration of some metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (GBC scientific equipment Sens AAs 1175). There was a decrease in the content of Mn, Cu, Cd and Zn on grilling. Cd was not detected in all the samples except chicken. The content of Fe increase with smoking. With the exception of Pb with a maximum concentration of 2.73 in smoked beef, the content of the metals in the smoked meats were within safe limits based on WHO standard. The concentrations of the metals were in the general order: Fe>Zn>Cu>Mn>Pb>Mn>Cr. Fe showed a very strong association with Cr , likewise Cd with Pb. There is need to educated meat sellers on the need to avoid open smoking of public food for consumer safety.
A. Inobeme, P.A. Obigwa, E. Olori, C. Eziukwu and O. Bamigboye, 2018. Heavy Metal Contents of Meats from Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria. Environmental Research Journal, 12: 19-22.