Determination of Heavy Metal Content of Selected Packaged Spices Sold in Owerri Metropolis

Spices are used all over the world for culinary purposes. They are valued for their distinctive flavours, colors and aromas, although they contain some undesirable components that can be harmful like heavy metals, pesticides etc. The persistence and bioaccumulation potentials of these toxicants have significant impacts on human health. This study was aimed to determine the levels of heavy metals in ten packaged natural spices that are most popular in Owerri Metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria. The heavy metal contents were determined by Flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni) were assessed and compared with FAO/WHO, EU Standards. The ranges of concentrations of the heavy metals were: Lead 0.001-15.91kg, Cadmium 0.001 mg/kg, Chromium 1.27-6.96 mg/kg, Nickel 2.76-14.83 mg/kg respectively. Most of the levels of concentrations of heavy metals in the spices were within the safe limits with the exception of Chromium which was above the standard safe limits as approved by FAO/WHO in all the samples assessed. Consumers of these spices would not be exposed to any risk associated with the daily intake of 10g of spices per day as far as metals (Lead, Cadmium and Nickel) were concerned.