Trace Metal Contents in Some Brands of Canned Tomato Paste in Nigerian Market

Concentrations of metals (copper, zinc, lead and iron) were examined in some popular brands of canned tomato paste in Nigerian markets with a view of providing information on the risk associated with the consumption of these products. Samples of some popular brands of tomato pastes canned in metallic containers were analyzed for levels of copper, zinc, lead and iron after acid digestion by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The mean concentrations (mg kg-1) ranged from <0.9-4.28 for Cu, 0.25-10.75 for Zn, <0.3-1.82 for Pb and <1.0-112.8 for Fe. The concentrations of the metals examined in the samples were present at levels below statutory limits in foods except for lead. This may pose a real danger to consumers, since tomato paste is so commonly consumed and bioaccumulation of Pb can have serious consequence to human health.