Evaluation of some Heavy Metal and Trace Element Contamination in Chicken Meat and Liver Offered for Consumption in Anatolia Province

Background: Heavy metals are ubiquitous in nature and can enter the food chain through various pathways, posing significant risks to human health. This study aimed to determine the levels of heavy metals in chicken meat and liver available for consumption in local markets of the Anatolia province. Methods: A total of 21 samples (15 chicken meat and six chicken liver) from 11 randomly selected markets in Yozgat, Turkey, were collected during May 2021. Metals (arsenic (As), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), tin (Sn), cobalt (Co), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), antimony (Sb), and nickel (Ni)) were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer. The analysis focused on detecting food contamination in thawed chicken meat and liver samples. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software (version 25.0). Kolmogorov-Smirnov test assessed normality, and since the data were not normally distributed, the Mann-Whitney U test was applied to compare groups. Spearman correlation analysis was employed to evaluate relationships between heavy metals. Results: The highest concentration was detected for Zn in chicken meat (33.53±5.24 mg/kg), whereas Pb was predominant in liver samples (0.28±0.10 mg/kg). Significant differences were observed between chicken meat and liver in terms of Cr, Mn, Zn, As, and Sn levels (p<0.01) and Al, Co, and Se levels (p<0.05). The Pb and Cd concentrations in chicken meat exceeded the maximum permissible limits set by both the World Health Organization and Turkish Food Codex Contaminants Regulation, while liver samples remained within these limits. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlations between Mn and Co (r=0.813; p<0.01) and negative correlations between Cu and Hg (r=-0.639; p<0.05). Conclusion: Monitoring heavy metal contamination in poultry is vital for public health. The results underscore the necessity for stricter control measures in food safety regulations.