Studies On Some Heavy Metals and Ivermectin Residues in Raw Milk

Milk and milk products are a significant part of a healthy diet. However, contamination of milk can be dangerous and detrimental for the health of consumers. As levels of harmful substances and environmental contaminants rise, milk and milk products become less safe. Heavy metal contamination of milk and dairy products can occur from food and water, as well as from manufacturing, packing, and dairy equipment. In this study, 60 samples of fresh milk were collected from various areas in the Damietta Governorate, Egypt, in order to determine the residual levels of three metals (lead, cadmium, and zinc) as well as the antiparasitic (ivermectin). Lead and cadmium were not found in any of the milk samples that were analyzed; nevertheless, zinc levels varied from 1.72 to 4.46, with an average of 2.422 ± 0.1 ng/liter. On the other hand, ivermectin ranged from 1.47 to 1.5 ug/kg with a mean value of 1.1 ± 0.057. The results indicate that none of the examined milk samples exceeded the acceptable limit suggested by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and Egyptian Standards 0.02