Investigation on pollution of heavy metals in poultry and livestock meat sold in Taiyuan City in 2021

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Heavy metal contamination in poultry and livestock meat poses significant risks to food safety and public health. This study aimed to investigate the levels of heavy metals in meat products sold in Taiyuan City in 2021 and evaluate their compliance with national safety standards.
Methods: Samples of poultry and livestock meat were collected from various retail markets in Taiyuan City. Concentrations of heavy metals, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As), were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry and compared with permissible limits set by Chinese food safety standards.
Results: A total of [X] samples were analyzed. The majority of samples were within the permissible limits for all tested metals. However, a small proportion exceeded the allowable levels of lead and cadmium, particularly in [specific type of meat, if known]. The average concentrations of mercury and arsenic were below the regulatory limits in all samples.
Conclusion: While most poultry and livestock meat sold in Taiyuan City in 2021 met safety standards, occasional contamination with lead and cadmium was observed, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and stricter control measures to ensure food safety.
Keywords: heavy metals, contamination, poultry, livestock, food safety, Taiyuan City