Institution-wide
ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN LOCAL CHEESE (WARA) SOLD AT REMO NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGUN STATE
ODEBIYI Mopelola O., OPALEYE Samuel Oladotun, OLAJIDE Oluwafunmilayo E.
Volume Vol. 2
Issue Issue 2
2024
Abstract
Abstract
Milk and dairy products are contaminated by different contaminants such as foodborne
biological pathogens, chemical toxicants and other hazards. Heavy metal contamination is one
of the most significant types of chemical contamination in milk and dairy products as it poses
an important and challenging role in food safety. It can be the reason to the prevalence of diverse
illnesses and lesions in the human body. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of
Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr) and Cadmium (Cd) contents in local cheese
(wara) sold at Remo-North local government area of Ogun State. Fifteen samples of local cheese
were bought from Fulani women in three communities of the local government area (Ode, Isara,
and Ipara). Quantitative analysis for heavy metals was performed using atomic absorption
spectrometer (AAS) (Hitachi Z-8100, Japan). The highest mean content of Cu (0.18 mg kg-1),
Pb (0.02 mg kg-1) and Cd (0.88 µg kg-1) were found in samples from Ipara while the highest
mean content of Zn (3.03mg kg-1) was found in samples from Isara. The least content of Cu
(0.14mg kg-1), Pb (0.01mg kg-1), Zn (2.10mg kg-1) and Cd (0.63 µg kg-1) were found in samples
from Ode. Cr was however not found in any of the samples collected. Contents of Cu, Pb, Zn,
and Cr in the local cheese samples were below the international recognized permissible limits
except for Cd whose concentration was above the permissible and recommended values.
Therefore, it is imperative to address the health risk associated with wara consumption in
Remo-North local government area of Ogun state, by implementing effective control measures
and regular testing to ensure the safety and quality of this staple food.
Keywords: Heavy metals, wara, safety, milk
