Heavy metal quantification in chicken meat and egg: An emerging food safety concern

Heavy metal contamination in widely consumed foods is a significant safety concern. This study aimed to determine heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, and Mn) in different parts of chicken meats (variety: Poultry and Sonali) and eggs (n = 180) collected from different local markets of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The analysis of heavy metals was carried out using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Alarmingly, 75% of the poultry bone and 60% of the egg albumens and yolks exceeded the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of Pb set by the Codex Alimentarius. Moreover, 40% of the poultry bone and 89% of the egg samples surpassed the MAC of Cd. The estimated daily intake (EDI) values for Pb and Cd exceeded the respective provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) levels. The incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCR) of Pb and Cd in the detected samples exceeded the threshold risk limit (ILCR>10−4) for adult and child consumers, indicating carcinogenic health risks. The hazard index (HI) values of poultry bone for adults (4.1) and children (7.8) exceeded the benchmark (HI=1), indicating non-carcinogenic health effects. This study might help policymakers and regulatory authorities identify non-compliance and apply control measures to produce safe meat and eggs for safeguarding public health. •Quantification of Pb, Cd, Cr, and Mn in different parts of chicken meat and egg.•Carcinogenic Pb and Cd detected in poultry bone, egg albumen, and yolk.•EDI of Pb and Cd exceeded the corresponding PTDI values.•Potential carcinogenic risks from Pb and Cd contaminated chicken meat and egg.