Volume 12, Issue 3 (September 2025)
J. Food Qual. Hazards Control 2025, 12(3): 210-217 |
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Farooq M, Saleem M, Yap C, Zaib M, Khan Q, Ibrahim M et al . Estimation of Heavy Metals in Milk of Different Areas of Sialkot (Pakistan) and Its Possible Health Impact on Consumer. J. Food Qual. Hazards Control 2025; 12 (3) :210-217
URL: http://jfqhc.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-1275-en.html
URL: http://jfqhc.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-1275-en.html
Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, School of Human Nutrition, Macdonald Campus of McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada , hafizarbabsakandar@gmail.com
Abstract: (34 Views)
Background: Milk is a complete food for human health, but consuming contaminated milk can pose severe health risks to consumers. Therefore, metal level assessment in milk provides complete knowledge to both environmental management policy makers and consumers.
Methods: In the present study, 50 samples of mixed cow and buffalo milk were collected in 2018 from Sialkot region of Punjab province, Pakistan. Cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were determined in these milk samples by using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry in urban areas of Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan.
Results: The ranges and mean levels (in bracket) of heavy metals in milk samples are as follows: Cd: 0.009-0.047 (0.028); Co: 0.026-0.144 (0.094); Cr: 0.007-0.098 (0.040); Cu: 0.106-1.273 (0.454); Ni: 0.015-0.082 (0.052); Pb: 0.014-0.132 (0.061); and Zn: 1.457-6.908 (3.781) µg/g. Mean levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn levels exceeded the maximum limits set by International Dairy Federation, whereas, Cr level was bellow the recommended permissible limit. Possible sources of metals in milk include animal feed and adulterants. The highest Estimated Daily Intake was noted for Zn, Cd, and Cu. Risk assessment suggested relatively greater adverse effects for children compared to adults. Target Hazard Quotient revealed a decreasing trend among the consumer as follows: Cd>Pb>Cr>Zn>Cu>Ni>Co. Cd and Pb were the major contributors in Hazard Index. Moreover, The Hazard Index for children is above one, indicating higher vulnerability compared to adults.
Conclusion: It is concluded that milk handling techniques and feed quality monitoring should be carefully considered to ensure consumer health safety.
DOI: 10.18502/jfqhc.12.3.19785
Methods: In the present study, 50 samples of mixed cow and buffalo milk were collected in 2018 from Sialkot region of Punjab province, Pakistan. Cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were determined in these milk samples by using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry in urban areas of Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan.
Results: The ranges and mean levels (in bracket) of heavy metals in milk samples are as follows: Cd: 0.009-0.047 (0.028); Co: 0.026-0.144 (0.094); Cr: 0.007-0.098 (0.040); Cu: 0.106-1.273 (0.454); Ni: 0.015-0.082 (0.052); Pb: 0.014-0.132 (0.061); and Zn: 1.457-6.908 (3.781) µg/g. Mean levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn levels exceeded the maximum limits set by International Dairy Federation, whereas, Cr level was bellow the recommended permissible limit. Possible sources of metals in milk include animal feed and adulterants. The highest Estimated Daily Intake was noted for Zn, Cd, and Cu. Risk assessment suggested relatively greater adverse effects for children compared to adults. Target Hazard Quotient revealed a decreasing trend among the consumer as follows: Cd>Pb>Cr>Zn>Cu>Ni>Co. Cd and Pb were the major contributors in Hazard Index. Moreover, The Hazard Index for children is above one, indicating higher vulnerability compared to adults.
Conclusion: It is concluded that milk handling techniques and feed quality monitoring should be carefully considered to ensure consumer health safety.
DOI: 10.18502/jfqhc.12.3.19785
Type of Study: Original article |
Subject:
Special
Received: 24/10/16 | Accepted: 25/09/03 | Published: 25/09/30
Received: 24/10/16 | Accepted: 25/09/03 | Published: 25/09/30
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