Heavy metals may accumulate in baby foods prepared using locally available raw materials. The aim of this study was to determine the level of heavy metals in carrots and potatoes used locally in preparing baby food in Kebbi State. The analysis was conducted using standard methods recommended by Association of the Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The samples were purchased from Birnin Kebbi central market. The respective metal mean concentrations (in mg/kg) for carrot and potato were: 0.48 ± 0.03 and 0.45 ± 0.05 for Cr, 1.97 ± 0.03 and 1.1 ± 0.02 for Zn, 0.36 ± 0.02 and 0.40 ± 0.02 for Cu, 0.40 ± 0.02 and 0.37 ± 0.01 for Pb, 1.27 ± 0.04 and 1.91 ± 0.02 for Mn. Cd was not detected in all the samples. The concentrations of Pb, and Cr were higher than the permissible limits in China, Brazil, and the European Union. This implies that consumption of baby food prepared from carrots and potatoes in the studied area at the moment may pose a health threat to the consumers due to the bioaccumulation of these toxic metals. Therefore, there is a need for continuous monitoring of the status of food materials with regards to heavy metals.
Key words: Baby food, Birnin Kebbi, contaminants, heavy metals analysis, inorganic
|
