ABSTRACT
The concentrations of some selected heavy metals such as Ni, Cd, Cu, Pb were analysed in four instant noodles samples (Minimie noodles, Golden Penny noodles, Indomie noodles, Chikki Chicken noodles), four macaroni samples(Measured macaroni, Golden Penny macaroni, BUA macaroni, Honeywell macaroni) and four spaghetti samples ( Power Pasta spaghetti, Crown spaghetti, Honeywell spaghetti and Golden Penny spaghetti) consumed in Nigeria. The analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrometery (AAS). The concentration of copper in all the pasta samples were below SON and WHO permissible limits which is 1-2mg/g. The concentrations of cadmium ranges from(0.00- 0.02mg/g) with Goldenpenny noodles having the highest of 0.02mg/g which is above WHO standard of 0.003mg/g. The concentration of nickel was high in the spaghetti samples ranging from (0.03- 0.09mg/g) with Goldenpenny spaghetti having the highest value. The concentration of lead is above the WHO and SON permissible limits which is 0.01mg/g. Therefore, precautionary measures should be employed in the frequent dietary intake of these noodles, to prevent health problems and detrimental effects, associated with the bioaccumulation of these heavy metals in the human body over a long period of time, especially in samples where they appeared in high concentration. We therefore recommend that more stringent policies and routine regulatory activities be carried out by monitoring agencies/bodies (WHO, FAO, NAFDAC, SON), to ensure healthy consumption of pasta.
