Determination of some heavy metals in some ready-to-eat meals in Assiut city [electronic resource].

Includes reference.

A total of 45 random samples of ready-to-eat shawerma, kofta and fried liver (kibda) sandwiches (15 of each) were collected from different .restaurants in Assiut city, Egypt. They were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) for determination of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) levels. The obtained results showed that the average values of Pb, Cd and Cu in the samples of shawerma were 0.601 ± 0.074, 0.01 ± 0.005 and 0.954 ± 0.170 ppm, respectively, whereas, in samples of Kofta were 0.361 ± 0.064, 0.003 ± 0.001 and 1.280 ± 0.158 ppm, respectively. While the average values for these elements in samples of liver were 0.310 ± 0.057, 0.020 ± 0.007 and 36.665 ± 5.638 ppm, respectively. The results of this study indicate that ready-to-eat shawerma sandwiches have Pb values above the maximum permissible levels established by Egyptian Organization of Standardization and Quality Control (EOSQC, .1993). The Cd concentrations in all examined samples are lower than the EOSQC (1993) recommended limit of 0.1 ppm. Whereas, the Cu concentration exceeded the level permitted by the EOSQC (1993) in liver samples. Public health importance and the hazardous toxic effects of the examined heavy metals as well as the suggestive recommendations to reduce or control the sources of pollution of RTE meat sandwiches with these metals were discussed.

Summary in Arabic.