Analysis of Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium and Lead Residue in Commercial Eggs in Damaturu Local Government, Yobe State, Nigeria

Poultry egg is a self-contained unit for starting a new life, it is the most consumable animal protein in the world and so the safety of this important food for its role in the daily diet is paramount. The objectives of this study were to determine the sources of table eggs and to detect the residue of cadmium, lead, chromium and arsenic in commercial eggs meant for human consumption in Damaturu Local Government, Yobe state. Sixty table egg samples were collected using convenient sampling method. After preparation and processing the samples in the laboratory the concentration of these metals has been determined in whole egg, using digital calorimeter. Data were analysed using SPSS statistical package (Version 21). There are 2 major source of commercial eggs in Damaturu Viz: Damaturu farms and Jos, plateau state. The mean residue concentrations of these metals in the whole egg was as follows: Damaturu farms include 0.023 mg/kg, 0.043 mg/kg, 0.032 mg/kg and 0.002 mg/kg for cadmium, lead, chromium and arsenic respectively. Jos include 0.054 mg/kg, 0.023 mg/kg, 0.007 mg/kg and 0.008 mg/kg for cadmium, lead, chromium and arsenic respectively. The mean residue concentration of Cadmium sourced from Jos farms and Chromium from both Damaturu and Jos farms have exceeded the Maximum residue limit for these metals in table eggs. Therefore, it is cause for concern. It can be prevented or control through Farmers’ awareness on the danger of heavy metal residue, adopting the principle of hazard analysis and critical control point and legislation by the government.