Toxic metal exposure from canned foods: a comprehensive risk assessment study in the middle east

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in food remains a major public health concern, particularly in regions with limited routine monitoring. This study evaluated the concentrations of toxic metals in commonly consumed canned plant-based foods marketed in Erbil, Iraq. A total of 54 samples of canned tomatoes, olives, and mixed vegetables from six commercial brands were analyzed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), and mercury (Hg) using atomic absorption spectrometry. Health risk indicators, including chronic daily intake (CDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), were calculated based on FAO/WHO and U.S. EPA models. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cr frequently exceeded permissible limits, while elevated levels of Zn and Hg were also observed in several samples. Although THQ and HI values were below 1, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic risk, ILCR values for Pb, Cd, and Cr exceeded the acceptable threshold (10⁻6-10⁻4), suggesting potential long-term carcinogenic risk. Among the studied products, canned vegetables exhibited the highest contamination levels. This study provides baseline data for monitoring heavy metal contamination in canned foods and supports the need for stricter regulatory control in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. KEY WORDS: Canned foods, Carcinogenic risk, Heavy metals, Incremental lifetime cancer risk, Target hazard quotient Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2026, 40(11), 2319-2331 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v40i11.3