To evaluate the quality of frozen chicken imported to Iraq the heavy metal residues of six metals e.g. Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Zink (Zn) and Lead (Pb) in ppm were determined in three different body parts i.e. breast, wing and thighs of Brazilian and Turkish origins. These heavy metals were determined using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). The contents were compared with the internationally allowed limits for the safety purposes. While Fe, Mn, Mg, Ca were within the limit, the Zn and Pb have exceeded the internationally allowed limits by WHO in Brazilian chicken. Both wing and thigh muscles, especially in Brazilian revealed higher proportion of Zn than permissible limits (10-50 ppm) allowed by ANZFA in comparison with other breast tissues. It is concluded that Turkish chicken meat might be safer than the Brazilian chicken. Public are encouraged to consume national chicken rather than the imported ones which might be polluted by heavy metals originated from industrially raised poultry products.
 

Download Full Text - PDF