Heavy elements are dense, naturally occurring elements that pose health risks through their accumulation in the environment and living organisms. This study aimed to evaluate heavy metal levels and assess health risk levels in processed meats in Kirkuk Governorate. Meat samples were collected from various sources in the markets of Kirkuk Governorate between December 1, 2024, and February 1, 2025. These included Mumtaz Iraqi frozen chicken burger, Sadia frozen Brazilian beef burger, fresh Iraqi beef burger, frozen Turkish pastrami, and Iraqi pastrami. Five samples were taken from each type of meat, with 30–50 g collected from each sample. The concentrations of the studied heavy elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) at the University of Kufa, Najaf. Cadmium and chromium showed high mean levels in Iraqi pastrami (20.60 ± 5.11, 30.74 ± 12.90), respectively, while nickel and lead were highest in Mumtaz Iraqi frozen chicken burger (3.17 ± 0.14, 0.58 ± 0.06), respectively. Zinc and manganese were highest in Sadia frozen Brazilian beef burger (17.76 ± 0.19, 102.77 ± 9.09), respectively, whereas cobalt was highest in fresh Iraqi beef burger (0.56 ± 0.24). The main sources of risk in frozen chicken burgers were cadmium and chromium, with THQ values exceeding the recommended limit (THQ > 1), indicating potential health risks with continuous consumption. The remaining elements were within safe limits, but the combined effect of HI = 10.532 may be harmful. Cadmium in frozen chicken patties had an EDI value of 0.0082 mg/day, which was significantly higher than the tolerable limit (TDI = 0.001 mg/day), indicating a health risk. Chromium also exceeded the required limit, with an EDI of 0.0042 mg/day. Other elements, including nickel, lead, cobalt, and zinc, were within safe limits. Due to high cadmium and chromium contamination, the processed meat samples were found to be unsafe. Iraqi pastrami showed the greatest contamination and EDI, exceeding international standards. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) calculations indicated values greater than one for both elements in all samples, resulting in a high cumulative Hazard Index (HI) ranging from 10.53 to 22.99. These results exceed the acceptable limit, indicating substantial health risks from systemic and renal toxicity. Meanwhile, zinc, nickel, lead, cobalt, and manganese were considered safe for human consumption.
Heavy elements are dense, naturally occurring elements that pose health risks through their accumulation in the environment and living organisms. This study aimed to evaluate heavy metal levels and assess health risk levels in processed meats in Kirkuk Governorate. Meat samples were collected from various sources in the markets of Kirkuk Governorate between December 1, 2024, and February 1, 2025. These included Mumtaz Iraqi frozen chicken burger, Sadia frozen Brazilian beef burger, fresh Iraqi beef burger, frozen Turkish pastrami, and Iraqi pastrami. Five samples were taken from each type of meat, with 30–50 g collected from each sample. The concentrations of the studied heavy elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) at the University of Kufa, Najaf. Cadmium and chromium showed high mean levels in Iraqi pastrami (20.60 ± 5.11, 30.74 ± 12.90), respectively, while nickel and lead were highest in Mumtaz Iraqi frozen chicken burger (3.17 ± 0.14, 0.58 ± 0.06), respectively. Zinc and manganese were highest in Sadia frozen Brazilian beef burger (17.76 ± 0.19, 102.77 ± 9.09), respectively, whereas cobalt was highest in fresh Iraqi beef burger (0.56 ± 0.24). The main sources of risk in frozen chicken burgers were cadmium and chromium, with THQ values exceeding the recommended limit (THQ > 1), indicating potential health risks with continuous consumption. The remaining elements were within safe limits, but the combined effect of HI = 10.532 may be harmful. Cadmium in frozen chicken patties had an EDI value of 0.0082 mg/day, which was significantly higher than the tolerable limit (TDI = 0.001 mg/day), indicating a health risk. Chromium also exceeded the required limit, with an EDI of 0.0042 mg/day. Other elements, including nickel, lead, cobalt, and zinc, were within safe limits. Due to high cadmium and chromium contamination, the processed meat samples were found to be unsafe. Iraqi pastrami showed the greatest contamination and EDI, exceeding international standards. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) calculations indicated values greater than one for both elements in all samples, resulting in a high cumulative Hazard Index (HI) ranging from 10.53 to 22.99. These results exceed the acceptable limit, indicating substantial health risks from systemic and renal toxicity. Meanwhile, zinc, nickel, lead, cobalt, and manganese were considered safe for human consumption.
