Determination of Heavy Metals in Two Common Street Foods (Falafel and Chiken Shoulder & Wing) Consumed in Qom City, Iran

Street foods are ready-to-eat foods and drinks prepared and sold by vendors on the streets and other public places for immediate consumption or consumption at other times without any processing steps and are welcomed by a wide range of people for reasons such as the economy and easier access. This study aimed to investigate the status of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), and manganese (Mn) in the most common street foods in Qom City, Iran, (Falafel, shoulders and wings) according to the particular cultural, social, pilgrimage, and tourism conditions of the city.

After preparing and collecting 18 samples of Falafel and 18 samples of shoulders and wings in the summer via quota stratified sampling method from supply and distribution centers in the city, the samples were transferred to the instrumental analysis laboratory of the faculty of health. After crushing, grinding, and weighing 2g of the samples, dry ashing was performed while maintaining the temperature program. White ash was dissolved in 5% nitric acid, and finally, the concentrations of Pb, Cd, As, Al, and Mn in the samples were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS).

According to this study, Mn, Al, and Pb metals had the highest concentrations in falafel, shoulder, and wing samples. Mean concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Pb and As in falafel samples were 10.07±9.82, 0.0005±0.0002, 0.0007±0.0003, 2.65±1.33, 24.50±11.91 µg/g, respectively, and in the shoulder & wing samples 11.12±7.70, 0.0009±0.0006, 0.050±0.018, 1.62±1.24, 18.50±14.64 µg/g, respectively. Also, the concentrations of Al, Pb, and Mn were higher than the standard level in all samples. The results showed that the mean concentration of As and Cd in Falafel, shoulder, and wing samples were less than the standard level.

According to the results of this study, the concentration of aluminum, lead, and manganese in all samples is higher than the standard level; it seems that if the necessary hygienic measures are not taken during the various stages of production and supply of these foods, it will seriously threaten the health of consumers. The usefulness and enjoyment of street food are essential factors in encouraging consumers to purchase this type of food, so with the widespread acceptance of this type of food by society, essential strategies should be adopted by health authorities to create a proper food culture in society by emphasizing the correct understanding of food safety hazards and the quality of food consumed.