Lebanese exposure to heavy metals via consumption of pitta bread

Abstract

Recently, high levels of heavy metals in several Lebanese foods were reported, which has raised the issue that today, many Lebanese products could be contaminated with heavy metals and toxins. Knowing that no regulations, effective control or corrective actions from the Lebanese government are present, there is a need to assess the exposure of the Lebanese to those contaminants through its consumption. The objective of this study was to assess the exposure of the Lebanese population to heavy metals through the consumption of white pitta bread and to evaluate the health risks of its consumption in comparison to the recommended reference limits. This study compiled all the previous studies published between 2000 and May 2020 related to cereal product consumption in Lebanon and heavy metal levels. The exposure assessment was conducted following the Joint expert committee of FAO and WHO for Food additives and contaminants. Nickel 1292 µg/kg, Arsenic 400 µg/kg and Aluminum 11580 µg/kg were the highest heavy metals found in bread above the recommended limits. The exposure of Lebanese population was higher than the safety regulations for Arsenic 3.03 μg/kg.bw and Nickel 9.733 μg/kg.bw. Children aged 6 to 9 years old and people living in South Lebanon and Nabatieh regions were the most exposed population to heavy metals. Numerous bakeries did not apply food safety standards, which will lead to threatening health risks. Recommendations are to revise LIBNOR standards to make it more appropriate to the Lebanese population consumption level of bread products and to conduct effective control on raw material safety and bakeries application of safety standards and use of preservatives.