Analysis of heavy metals content in domestic and imported poultry meat

Background and Aim. Heavy metal contamination of the environment and food has attracted intense public attention as it poses a serious threat to the ecological system and human health. Heavy metals are chemical elements that have a toxic effect on the human body. The expansion of various industries has led to a significant increase in levels of these components within envi ronment.Materials and Methods. Current work represents diagnostics and comparison of the content of heavy metals in poultry meat of domestic production and imported origin studied in 2023 using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).Results. Large concentrations of arsenic and lead were found in the samples, not exceeding the maximum permissible concentrations, while the cоntent of mercury and cadmium was at trace levels. The obtained data allows to assess the level of heavy metal contamination and compare the safety of poultry meat produced in the Republic of Kazakhstan and abroad. Conclusion. A clear understanding of the ways and mechanisms by which heavy metals pose a risk to human health when consuming contaminated food products makes it possible to adopt appropriate strategies for managing and mitigating their negative effects. In addition, development of hand-held portable devices is needed for timely on-site diagnostics of HMs to ensure quality of meat products is sufficient for human consumption.