Assessment of the health risks associated with the consumption of chicken meat and eggs contaminated with heavy metals in some regions of Cameroon

Abstract

Chicken meat and eggs are important sources of high-quality protein and various nutrients essential for human health. However, they may also be contaminated with heavy metals, posing potential risks to consumers. Assessing dietary exposure to these contaminants is therefore crucial for safeguarding public health and improving poultry production practices. This study aimed to evaluate the health risk associated with the consumption of chicken meat and eggs contaminated with heavy metals from poultry farms in the in the Central, Littoral, and West regions of Cameroon. A consumption survey was conducted among 900 households across the three study regions to determine patterns of chicken meat and egg intake. Additionally, 48 broiler chickens and 180 eggs from laying hens were collected from poultry farms and subjected to appropriate pretreatment procedures. Chicken muscle, liver, and egg samples were analyzed for lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and mercury (Hg) using Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Survey data were combined with analytical results to estimate dietary exposure and assess both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. Results indicated Cd concentrations in chicken muscle ranging from 27.3 to 29.6 µg/kg, while Hg concentrations in liver samples ranged from 798.3 to 845.5 µg/kg. Chromium concentrations varied between 53.7 and 60.4 µg/kg in muscle and 13.7–15.0 µg/kg in liver. All heavy metals were detected in egg samples. Estimated daily intakes were higher in children and adolescents than in adults and the elderly. In some groups, the hazard risk index (HRI) and incremental lifetime cancer risk exceeded safe thresholds, indicating potential health concerns. Overall, consumption of poultry products from the studied regions may contribute to heavy metal exposure and associated health risks, particularly for younger populations. Strengthened monitoring and risk management strategies are therefore recommended.