NIVELES DE CONTAMINACIÓN DE LOS METALES Pb, Hg, Al, Cd Y As EN ALIMENTOS EN ECUADOR

In the past year, Ecuador has faced alarming cases of lead contamination in foods intended for export. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported cases of poisoning in American children linked to contaminated cinnamon from Ecuador, which contained lead levels ranging from 2.270 to 5.110 mg/kg—far exceeding safe limits. This incident underscores the urgent need to mitigate heavy metal pollution to safeguard public health. This article reviews literature on food contamination with lead, mercury, aluminum, cadmium, and arsenic in Ecuador. It was found that lead concentrations exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) limits in 4 of the 7 foods examined. The highest levels were reported in red crab (11 mg/kg), soybeans (3mg/kg), and milk (0.2 mg/kg), while the lowest appeared in lettuce (0.09 mg/kg). Mercury concentrations above the WHO threshold (0.47 mg/kg) were identified in 4 of the 7 studies, with guajo fish showing the highest value (8.5 mg/kg). For aluminum, oatmeal and rice showed concentrations within the WHO limit (1 mg/kg). Cadmium levels in rice and shrimp samples also stayed below WHO standards. However, arsenic levels in cocoa exceeded the recommended limit. This study highlights the prevalence of contaminant levels exceeding permissible thresholds in several food products. It also emphasizes the need for enhanced contaminant controls and the implementation of robust regulations to ensure food quality and protect public health.