Cancer and Non-cancer Risks Associated With Heavy Metal Exposures from Street Foods: Evaluation of Roasted Meats in an Urban Setting

Abstract

Street foods (SF) are important in meeting energy and nutrient requirements for urban populations because of their convenience and low-cost. In contrast, SF represents a major public health risk due to chemical contamination especially with heavy metals. The study aimed at quantifying the levels of heavy metals (HM); lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) in street roasted and vended meats (SRVM); estimating daily HM intake; determining the cancer and non-cancer risks associated with HM exposure using probabilistic risk assessment models. Twelve samples of each SRVM (pork, beef, goat and chicken) were randomly purchased on the streets of Kampala and their HM content measured. The cancer and non-cancer risks were estimated using incremental lifetime cancer risk and target hazard quotient (THQ), respectively. Lead, Cd and As content was above maximum limits according to EFSA and WHO, while Cr, Cu, Zn and Fe were below prescribed limits. The daily intake of Pb measured in beef and pork was higher than the recommended tolerable daily intake (TDI) for both children and adults while that of Cd, As, Cu, Zn and Fe was 1, with values for children higher than those for adults. Regular consumption of SRVM in Kampala is a health risk with respect to Pb, Cd and As.