Abstract
Technological advancement in the food industry in the last five decades has
resulted in the production of ready meals and convenience food. Instant
noodles are some of the most common convenience foods in Nigeria. Noodles’
production in Nigeria is estimated to be the 12th biggest convenience food in
the world. However, with the rate of its demand there is the need to know the
safety of its consumption by consumers. This study investigated the levels of
some heavy metals [arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb) and
mercury (Hg)] in eleven brands of noodles sold in Nigerian markets. The
results shows that the levels of As, Cd, Cr and Pb in the noodles ranged from
(0.13±0.04 to 0.34±0.05), (0.55±0.12 to 0.77±0.04), (0.18±0.05 to 0.46±0.21) and
(0.55±0.08 to 1.46±0.17) respectively and they were relatively higher than the
tolerable limit set by WHO. Although these noodles are above the tolerable
limit, awareness among the consumers, industries and regulatory agencies will
go a long way to reduce possible risk associated with its consumption. Noodles
contamination with heavy metals is of public health importance because
consumers are at higher risk of heavy metal toxicity which predisposes them to
diseases such as nervous, cardiovascular, circulatory system disorders, liver
and kidney damage as well as cancer. Therefore, regulatory bodies like
NAFDAC, SON should monitor the processes involved in the production of
these noodles to ensure that only wholesome products are given to consumers.