A Comparative Study on Presence of Heavy Metals Lead and Cadmium in Tomato Ketchups used by Street Vendors of Delhi NCR

Abstract

Background: From past few years food safety has emerged as public
health issue and has diverted attention of researchers towards health
hazard associated with food contamination. Food contamination is a
major concern of street food industry serving as a source of food to
people. Tomato ketchup is consumed by all age groups along numerous
products, sold by street vendors. Tomatoes are preserved in the form
of ketchups.
Methodology: A total of 12 samples were collected, 3 each from Delhi,
Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad respectively. The procured samples were
then analysed for the presence of heavy metals lead and cadmium
using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).
Result: The mean concentration of cadmium in all samples was Below
Detectable Limit (BDL).Whereas, mean concentration of lead was
highest in the regions of Delhi i.e., 0.183ppm followed by regions of
Noida (0.096ppm), Faridabad (0.089ppm) and Gurugram (0.031 ppm).
Conclusion: The cadmium concentration in samples were below
permissible limit whereas mean concentration of samples in region
of Delhi, Faridabad and Noida exceeded the levels set by WHO/ FAO
joint committee. So, excess or prolong consumption may cause toxicity
or health hazards.