Quantitative Determination of Cadmium, Chromium and Lead in Selected Instant Noodles Sold in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The concentrations of Cd, Cr and Pb were determined in five instant noodles brands (Indomie-A, Minimie-B,Tasty tom-C, Supreme-D and Tummy-Tummy-E) sold in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. This was done using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The concentrations of Cd ranged from 0.022-0.045mg/kg. These were above the WHO permissible limit of 0.003mg/kg for Cd. The values for Cr were within the permissible limit recommended by WHO. Pb ranged from 0.03-0.05mg/kg. these values were higher than 0.025mg/kg recommended by WHO for Pb. Caution should be taken in frequent consumption of these noodles in order to avoid health issues associated with the bioaccumulation of Cd and Pb in the body over a long period of time. Monitoring agencies (NAFDAC, SON etc) should bring in measures to ensure that only good quality noodles get to consumers.