Monitoring, source apportionment, and health risk implications of potentially toxic element concentrations in canned fish products within Kumasi metropolis, Ghana

• PTE concentrations were measured in all canned fish species • PTE concentrations were below WHO/Codex regulatory guidelines • No significant health implications were identified (HI < 1 / TCR < 10 -4 ) • Environmental changes in fish species may impact food safety over time • Despite low PTE concentrations, periodic monitoring is essential for food safety Canned fish is widely consumed in Ghana due to its low cost, long shelf life, and nutritional value. However, concerns over potentially toxic elements (PTE) pose a growing public health risk. This study aimed to identify potential sources of enrichment, examine the PTE concentrations, and health implications of adults and children from consuming canned fish from the Ghanaian market. 100 canned fish samples obtained from Ayigya market in Kumasi were analysed for nine PTEs (As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, and Zn). Multivariate statistical tools were employed to identify potential sources of enrichment for PTEs in canned fish. Human health risk was assessed using estimated dietary intake (EDI), noncarcinogenic (HI), and target carcinogenic (TCR). All PTE concentrations investigated were below safe permissible limits. Potential sources of PTEs enrichment were attributed to the fish ecosystem, processing equipment’s and canning material. The TCR < 10 -4 and HI < 1 were within tolerable intake levels, indicating less likelihood of cancer-related implications from the consumption of canned fish in adults and children. The findings reveal brand and source-dependent PTE contamination patterns, making it crucial for continuous surveillance and food safety awareness to ensure the safety of canned products in local markets.