Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Singed Edible Cattle Hides (Ponmo) from Yobe North, Nigeria
Zungum I. U.
Moisule, A.
Abubakar T.
Imam T. S.
Sani M. I.
Ibrahim A. A.
Ismaila H. A.
Bwala M. N.
Abstract
Edible singed cattle hide (ponmo), a beef delicacy highly valued in Nigeria and across West Africa, is traditionally prepared through singeing with discarded tyres, synthetic polymers, petroleum-derived fuels, and fuelwood, a process that facilitates the deposition of hazardous toxicants into the meat. This study assessed lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) concentrations in cattle hides from six Yobe North markets. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry revealed hazardous levels: Pb (up to 3.40 mg/kg) exceeded WHO (0.1 mg/kg) and NAFDAC (2.0 mg/kg) limits; Cd (0.57–1.10 mg/kg) was above WHO (0.05 mg/kg) and NAFDAC (0.2 mg/kg) limits; Cr (up to 5.10 mg/kg) surpassed the 2.0 mg/kg limit; and As (up to 0.73 mg/kg) exceeded both WHO (0.1 mg/kg) and NAFDAC (0.5 mg/kg) standards. Hg levels (7.9–16.0 μg/kg) remained within permissible thresholds. The findings highlight potential public health risks and call for regulatory enforcement, safer dehairing methods, market surveillance, and consumer awareness to reduce exposure.
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