Physicochemical Properties, Elemental Composition, and Health Risk Assessment of Honey in the three Senatorial Zones of Katsina State, Nigeria

This study evaluated the physicochemical properties, elemental composition, and health risks of 12 honey samples from Katsina State, Nigeria. While most samples met SON guidelines for moisture, pH, and free acidity, elevated cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) levels in some samples (33.3% and 41.7% exceeding limits, respectively) indicate environmental contamination. Health risk assessment revealed significant non-carcinogenic (HQ >1) and carcinogenic risks (TCR up to 4.57×10⁻³) from Cd and Pb exposure. Findings confirm that the majority of samples meet established global benchmarks, including moisture content (≤20%), pH (3.2–4.5), free acidity (≤50 meq/kg), and ash content (≤0.6 mg/100g), in accordance with SON and Codex Alimentarius standards. It is also noteworthy to assume that significant deviations were observed in the levels of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb)—two non-essential, toxic metals. Specifically, 33.3% of the samples exceeded the Codex limit for Cd (0.05 mg/kg), while 41.7% surpassed the Pb threshold (0.10 mg/kg). The associated Hazard Quotient (HQ) values > 1 and Hazard Index (HI) values up to 4.57 indicate chronic exposure risks, which could result in renal toxicity (Cd) and neurobehavioral or developmental impairments (Pb). Also, Sample J exhibited the highest potential. The findings highlight the need for stricter environmental monitoring and quality control in honey production to ensure consumer safety.