Abstract

This research was conducted to assess the levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn and Ni and their human health risks in some fresh and roasted pork and beef from five major markets (five samples each were assessed). Metal assay in the samples was done using atomic absorption spectrophometry after pretreatment and digestion of samples. Additionally, chronic daily intake, target hazard quotient, estimated daily intake and hazard ratio index values of the metals were calculated using their respective concentrations and other reference data. Mean concentration (mg/kg) of Cu and Zn in fresh beef were 3.00 ±2.00 and 41.80 ± 39.07 respectively, while those for steak (suya) were 4.40 ± 2.70 and 69.20 ± 49.59 respectively. Those concentrations (mg/kg) of cu and Zn in fresh pork were 19.80 ± 30.48 and 9.00 ± 0.707 respectively while for roasted pork were 5.40 ± 1.52 and 42.00 ± 1.52. The concentrations of Cu were below WHO permissible levels in fresh pork samples, fresh beef and steak (suya) from modern markets, whereas, most of the Zn concentration in meat except the steak (suya) samples from modern markets were above permissible limits. Meanwhile, THQ and HR values in adults were less than 1, meanwhile, THQ and HR values in children were greater than 1 for fresh and roasted pork. Similarly, CDI, THQ, EDI and HR values in children were greater than 1 for fresh and steak (suya) meat. This indicates the existence of potential health hazard from metal ingestion through the consumption of red meat both roasted and fresh.