Heavy metals and aluminium intake from stored canned tomato, sardines and tuna in Algeria

Abstract

This study assessed heavy metals intake and their impacts on healthcare in Algeria. Peculiar attention was given to heavy metals found in largely consumed canned foods in Algeria such as double concentrated tomato, tuna crumbs and sardines. Chemical analyses of the metal and aluminium containers (foil, tray) were performed by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and EDS spectrometry (Energy Dispersive Spectrometry). The determination of the trace metal content in canned food (element metal trace EMT) was achieved by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The approach proposed in this study aimed to highlight the interaction of the product and packaging material, and thus to identify and quantify heavy metals traces that were able to undergo specific or overall migration to food. The morphology of the contact surface food / packaging was observed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and showed a slight degradation of the base metal (Black Iron). There was an obvious increase in EMTs during tuna, sardines and tomatoes storage and artificial aging. A special interest was given to cooking modes using aluminium foil and trays. ‎‎The respective dosages of aluminium, in baked food (fresh tuna) were obtained. Specific Aluminium migration was noticed and was strong for the flame cooking mode.