Title: Assessment of some Heavy Metals in selected Chocolate Brands and Bread sold in Kano metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Idris S. Ibrahim, Musa A. Abubakar, Bukhari A. Adam, Maryam I. Bello and Khadija Suleiman, Sunusi Sulaiman
Volume: 10
Issue: 9
Pages: 98-102
Publication Date: 2026/09/28
Abstract:
Chocolates and breads are widely consumed and can have health benefits, but excessive intake or contamination with heavy metals can be harmful. This study aims to measure levels of lead, cadmium, chromium, and zinc in chocolates and breads sold in Kano City. Three chocolate brands (X, Y, Z) and five bread types (A, B, C, D, E) were obtained and processed through acid digestion to quantify the levels of chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn) by employing atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The measured concentrations of the heavy metals in the chocolate brands varied between 0.02-0.25 mg/kg for Cd, 0.02-0.12 mg/kg for Zn, and 0.08-0.20 mg/kg for Cr. However, lead was not detected in any of the samples analyzed. For the bread samples, the detected concentrations ranged from 0.04-0.15 mg/kg for Cd, 0.60-2.26 mg/kg for Zn, 0.30-0.08 mg/kg for Cr, and 0.02-0.15 mg/kg for Pb. The findings suggest that the levels of heavy metals in the examined chocolate and bread brands fall within permissible limits, thereby presenting no significant health risks upon consumption.