Health Risk Assessment and Determination of Heavy Metals in Sesame Oils

The present study aimed to evaluate Fatty acid profile and level of heavy metals in the sesame oils consumed in Iran. In total, 30 sesame oil samples were collected from factories (n=20; industrial) and from traditional mills (n=10; non-industrial). Heavy metal content and the FA profile of examined samples oil were determined by ICP-OES and gas Chromatography respectively. Significant differences were observed between the industrial and non-industrial sesame oil samples in terms of the Fatty acid profile and toxic heavy metals contamination. In addition, the fatty acid profile of the industrial and non-industrial sesame oil indicated high levels of unsaturated fatty acids (84.5% and 83.49%, respectively), with the main fatty acids determined to be oleic acid and linoleic acid. The fatty acid profile of the sesame oil samples indicated no adulteration with other vegetable oils. The concentration of lead, cadmium, iron in industrial sesame oil were observed in the range of 0.008–1.33, 0.001–0.04, 0.11–6.74 mg/kg, and in non-industrial sesame oil were found to be 0.00–0.199, 0.01–0.04, 0.8–4.3 mg/kg respectively. In general, lead content was higher than that of the legislation limit of Iran and European Union (0.1 mg/kg). Mercury and arsenic metals no detected in any of sesame oil samples. Mean values obtained in this work for Fe was lower than the maximum values recommended for FAO/WHO (1-1.5 μg/g) and for Cd was agree whit international requirements, the approved content of Cd in oils are: 0.05 μg/g (1). The health risks carcinogenic (ILCRs) and no carcinogenic (HI or THQ) were highly exceeded than threshold value of 1 in the both consumer groups of adult and children. This calls for concern for both adults and children exposed to consume of sesame oil through ingestion. It is necessary to monitor the presence of heavy metal contaminants and the quality of imported sesame seeds prior to oil preparation.