Abstract
An assessment was carried out in 2014 in two markets at Ozoro in Delta State, Nigeria on the trace metal profile of some foodstuffs: cassava (Manihot esculentus Crantz.), maize (Zea mays L.), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) and sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L.) with a view to establishing baseline information on their metal index. The results showed that lead, copper, arsenic, zinc and cadmium were present in the foodstuffs. Arsenic was the lowest while cadmium was the highest especially in okra, and copper in sweet potato. Based on the recommendation given by standard bodies like FAO and WHO, the amounts observed were below the tolerable limits recommended, which suggests sub-lethal toxicity in humans. With a gradual and steady bioaccumulation of these non-biodegradable elements, a risk of their rise to lethal levels with their inherent health risk could be envisaged; hence there is a need for monitoring metals in foodstuff. The study has great implication in food safety and environmental management.
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