Analyses of some food seasoning products in Nigeria

Background: The safety of artificialfood seasoning should be a major concern to health authorities and the general public. Hence the influence of these food seasoning on the taste, Aroma, acceptability and health of the consumer are certain. Some brands of artificial food seasoning sold in Nigerian markets were analyzed for Calcium (Ca), Cadmium (Cd), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn) and Lead (Pb) using AES-MPS after sample digestion with the mixture of nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. Objectives: To evaluate heavy metal content of some brands of artificial food seasoning sold in Nigerian Markets in order to ascertain their safety. Methods: Total of nineteen samples was identified, purchased, digested and analyzed using Atomic Emission Spectroscopy method. Results: The results obtained indicated the presence of Ca (29.50 – 1075 µg/g), Pb (7.00 - 22.00 µg/g), Fe (36.00-3942.00 µg/g), Mn (0.50 -13.00 µg/g) and Zn (4.50 - 46.50 µg/g);while cadmium (Cd) was not detected in all the samples. Discussion: This study indicated presence of heavy metals Fe, Pb and Zn in 100% of the artificial food seasoning, Mn in 21% and electrolyte (Ca) in 94%, while Cd was below the detection limit of the equipment used for the analysis. Conclusion: The artificial food seasoning analyzed were contaminated with Pb above permissible limit (2.5 µg/g) therefore it is a matter of concern due to its detrimental health effect. More attention on surveillance of food seasoning sold in Nigerian market is required in order to guarantee safety of the consumers’ health.