PARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TRACE ELEMENTS CONTENT IN SOME BRANDS OF CANNED FOODS (FISH AND TOMATOES)

Abstract

This study investigated and compared the concentrations of selected trace elements iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in different brands of canned fish and canned tomatoes sold within Sokoto Metropolis. The research aimed to assess the safety and nutritional implications of these products with respect to trace metal contamination. Samples of two brands of canned fish (Mother Sardine and Haano Mackerel) and two brands of canned tomatoes (Nagiko and Magnate) were purchased and analyzed using standard Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) techniques after proper digestion and preparation, following the procedures outlined by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 2016). The results revealed that all samples contained the investigated trace elements in varying concentrations. Canned tomatoes showed higher mean concentrations of Fe (25.055 ppm), Zn (1.14 ppm), Cu (0.205 ppm), Pb (0.055 ppm), and Cd (0.245 ppm) compared to canned fish, which contained lower mean levels. Statistical analysis using the independent t-test confirmed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two food types. However, all detected concentrations were within the permissible limits set by FAO/WHO, indicating that both canned fish and canned tomatoes available in Sokoto are safe for human consumption, though continuous monitoring is recommended.