Estimation of Heavy Metals in Canned Foods Sold in the Markets of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Background: Heavy metals in food are an emerging public health issue in the modern food industry. The toxicity of heavy metals can have serious effects on human health. Therefore, the present study was conducted to measure the concentration of heavy metals in branded canned foods. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from January 2021 to July 2022. A total of 60 samples consisting of 42 International and 18 Pakistani canned foods. Collected samples were analyzed by an atomic absorption spectrometer present in the Public Health laboratory, Khyber Medical College, Peshawar. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23 for Windows. The p-value less than 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Tested samples were selected from 4 food types; i.e., fruits 19, lentils and legumes 18, vegetables 17, and 6 fish cans. Eighteen were preserved in sugary syrup and 42 in brine. International branded cans had upper normal levels of Cd, Cr, and Cu. While Pakistani cans showed upper normal Pb levels in the recommended set point by FAO/WHO, i.e., 0.1 mg/L Cd, 1 mg/L Cr, 0.4mg\L Cu, and 0.5 mg/L Pb. Pb, Cd, Cu, and Cd levels in Pakistani canned food were in a range of 0.29-0.0183 mg/L, 0.001- 0.047 mg/L, 0.008-0.022mgL and -0.069-0.123mg/L. Metals in International branded cans were in the range of -0.001- 0.198 mg/L, 0.001-0.065mg/L, -0.00-0.049mg/L and -0.004-0.137mg/L. This study revealed the upper normal limit for Pb and exceeding Cd levels in the tested samples. Conclusion: The present study concluded that heavy metal concentrations are well above the permissible level stated by the WHO. Therefore, canned food should be consumed consciously.