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ABSTRACT
The levels of heavy metals in two (2) different brands of tomato paste (Samples A and B) sold in Benin-city, Edo state markets were evaluated by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The results obtained for the concentrations of heavy metals ranged from 0.14-0.20 mg/kg for Cu, 0.09- 0.20mg/kg for Cr, ND-0.47mg/kg for Mn, ND for Ni, ND for Pb, 8.30-19.80mg/kg for Zn and 26.0 – 27.00mg/kg. The concentrations of all the metals studied were generally lower in samples A and B compared to recommended levels of these metals in vegetable crops. Also, evaluation of dietary intake of these products daily revealed that sample A (except for Fe) and B (except for Fe) are lower the daily dietary recommended limit for all the metals studied in food. Thus, frequent intake of these contaminated products is not likely to induce health effects arising largely from Cu, Mn, Fe, Ni and Zn.
