Distribution of trace metals in oven-dried, roadside broiler meats and related health implications on the consumers

Poultry-related foods are used mainly as one of the major sources of protein for human however; foods contaminated with toxic metals could have adverse health problems on the consumers. Trace metals loads in water, feeds, oven-dried, and roadside broiler meats from poultry farms in Uyo Metropolis were examined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean concentrations of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were within their safe limits however; the mean concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and iron (Fe) were higher than their limits. Mean concentrations of all the metals were within their recommended limits except Cr. The concentrations of Cu and Pb were higher than their acceptable limits in oven-dried meats, while Cr, Cu, and Pb in roadside meats were above their limits. The tolerable daily intake rates (TDI) of Cd and Cr for the children class via the consumption of oven-dried meats were above their oral reference doses (RfDs). Whereas, the TDI of Cd and Cr via the consumption of roadside broiler meats were higher than their RfD values. The non-carcinogenic risks of the metals for children and adult classes through the consumption oven-dried and roadside broiler meats were higher than one. However, the children class was more vulnerable to the non-carcinogenic risks. The values of total cancer risk (TCR) for the oven-dried and roadside meats for the children and adults were higher than their acceptable limits. The principal component factor analysis (PCA) identified the sources of trace metals in poultry-related products and foods examined.