Health Risk and Toxicological Assessment of Some Heavy Metals in Selected Damaged Bouillon Cubes Consumed in Nigeria A Case Study of Funtua, Katsina State

The safety and suitability of food additives for human consumption are largely dependent on ‎their chemical composition.‎ This study assessed heavy metal contamination in damaged bouillon cubes (Maggi, Knorr, ‎Royco, and Onga) from Funtua LGA using Microwave plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry (MP-AES), and the potential health risks associated with the consumption of these damaged cubes were also evaluated. ‎Concentrations ranged from 2.21–4.24 mg/kg (Cd), 1.01–3.01 mg/kg (Co), 1.01–2.21 mg/kg ‎‎(Ni), 2.21–6.20 mg/kg (Pb), and 0.21–0.56 mg/kg (Zn), with all except Zn exceeding ‎FAO/WHO limits. Estimated daily intakes(EDIs) for Cd, Co, Ni, and Zn were above USEPA tolerable values, while Hazard quotients‎HQs were <1. However, Hazard indices HI exceeded 1 in Maggi and Royco, and Cancer risk (CR) values for all metals ‎were above the USEPA acceptable risk range, indicating possible carcinogenic risk. No ‎significant variation was observed among brands (p > 0.05). These findings suggest potential ‎public health hazards from the consumption of damaged bouillon cubes, warranting stricter ‎regulation and monitoring‎.