In
order to determine their safety level, this study was aimed at investigating
the prevalence of heavy metals and volatile organic contaminants in
street-selling foods sourced from three selected locations in Lagos State,
Nigeria. Feed toxicity results from heavy metal food contamination,
bioaccumulation, and food chain biomagnification. The research was conducted
using absolute randomization design and cluster sampling technique to supply
street food sold from three locations (Marina, Yaba and Apapa). Roasted
(platinum, fish, yam, maize), suya beef, meat pie, egg roll and doughnuts were
the eight food items examined. Lead, cadmium, copper, mercury, iron, zinc and
organic contaminants were studied in foods and environmental particulate
matter. Heavy metals detected from Marina, Yaba and Apapa Lagos in sold street
foods were iron, copper, lead and zinc at levels ranging from 0.14 mg/kg-2.80
mg/kg, 0.08 mg/kg-0.27 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg-0.18 mg/kg, and 0.01 mg/kg-0.04 mg/kg.
Cadmium and mercury were below the measurable level. Significantly (P<0.05)
higher iron concentrations of 2.80 mg/kg and 1.99 mg/kg were observed in suya
from Apapa and roasted fish from Apapa, respectively. Important (P<0.05)
higher lead (Pb) content of 0.18 mg/kg was observed in Yaba dough nut, but
slightly (P<0.05) lower lead content of 0.01 mg/kg was observed in Yaba
roasted plantain, roasted fish and meat pie all sourced from Yaba. The zinc
content of roasted fish, suya and egg rolls obtained from Marina, Yaba and
Apapa were all significantly different (P<0.05), especially with regard to
the type of food. A higher iron content of 2.80 mg/kg was observed for Apapa
suya. In all street food samples sold, volatile organic compounds (TPH, PAHs,
Phenol) were found to be below the detectable level (<0.001 mg/kg).
Particulate matter in the air ranged from 0.34-0.84 mg/m3, 0.32-0.56 mg/m3,
0.32-0.68 mg/m3, 0.33-0.79 mg/m3 and <0.001-0.24 mg/m3 respectively; SPM,
PM1, PM2.5, PM10 and VOCs. There were no statistically significant PM1 and PM25
from the three locations (P>0.05). Vehicular emissions are one big source of
contamination for most street foods sold. All of the food samples sold had a
lead (Pb) content above the CODEX allowable 0.01 mg/kg limit. The presence of
high lead content is a significant source of occupational health hazards in
Vended Street food. Further study is highly recommended on the extensive
outdoor air quality and street food quality in Lagos State to act as a
safeguard for public health and consumer interest.
Author (s) Details
G. I. Oyet
Department of Food
Science and Technology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Department of Food Science and Technology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
View Book :- https://stm.bookpi.org/CRAFS-V4/issue/view/30
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