levels of heavy metals in pasta available in the nigerian market: assessing the human health implications

The concentrations of some heavy metals were determined in some pasta consumed in nigeria, with a view to providing information on their dietary intake and exposure of consumers. the metals were determined by atomic spectrometry after acid digestion.  the  results (µg/g) were in the following ranges: locally manufactured pasta: ni (0.005 0.738); mn (0.2 1.938); cd (nd to 0.015); cu (nd 0.456); zn (0.071 – 2.902); pb (0.278 0.692); cr (nd 0.206) while imported pasta concentrations were: ni (0.039 – 1.301); mn (nd 1.515);  cd (nd – 1.059); cu (nd 0.333); zn (nd 2.024); pb (0.313 – 1.085); cr (nd 0.233). the estimated daily intakes of these pastas were below the tolerable daily intake limits of the metals stipulated by fao/who and jecfa. the hazard quotient and total hazard index (thi) values were less than 1 indicating no adverse health effect. however, thi in imported macaroni was appreciable.