Detection of heavy metals in poultry feed, meat and eggs

Abstract

The poultry feed, meat and egg samples were collected from the major poultry raising areas of the country to know the presence of heavy metals especially arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr). A total of 360 elemental samples for As, Pb and Cr were analyzed in the laboratory. The heavy metal contents (As, Pb & Cr) of all the tested samples were found positive. But, the levels were below the Maximum Permitted Concentration (MPC) in most cases. The layer and broiler ready feed samples found safe from those elements; On the other hand, the “Cr” and “Pb” content in 14% and 11% loose feed samples were 7-70 and 3 times respectively higher than that of MPC. Notes worthy, the egg samples were also found safe from those elements. Of the tested samples 14% broiler meat and 50% spent hen samples found slightly higher level of “As” and 4-6 times “Cr” respectively than the MPC. In conclusion, the poultry farmers are suggested to buy poultry feeds from the reputed feed company and discourage to use loose feeds. Moreover, feed marketing channel particularly loose feed marketing should be monitored properly by the regulatory authority.

Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2018, 2(1), 1-5