Assessment of heavy metal contamination and associated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks in processed foods from Bangladesh

The growing consumption of processed foods in Bangladesh raises serious public health concern owing to the risk of heavy metal contamination. This study presents the first systematic assessment of six heavy metals, namely lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni) in 32 commercially available processed food products, and evaluates the associated carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks for both adults and children. Metal concentrations were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and health risks were estimated using standard USEPA metrics, including Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Target Cancer Risk (TCR). Cr and Pb concentrations exceeded FAO/WHO permissible limits in several product categories, most notably confectionery and bakery items. Cumulative non-carcinogenic risk (HI > 1) was found in 31 of the 32 products for children, compared with only 9 products for adults, indicating that children are considerably more vulnerable. Additionally, carcinogenic risks from Cr and Ni also exceeded acceptable thresholds (TCR>1×10⁻⁴) for children in several categories. These findings highlight a pressing food safety problem in Bangladesh and emphasize the need for stricter regulatory controls, improved manufacturing practices, and continued surveillance of heavy metals in processed foods.