Cadmium and Nickel Composition of Nigerian Foods

Cadmium and nickel contents were determined in 78 different Nigerian foods of various classes. The food types included leafy and fruity vegetables, fruits, meats, fish, cereals, legumes, tubers, spices, dairy products, canned foods, sweeteners, fats and oils, and confectioneries, and they were obtained from markets in Ibadan city. Cadmium levels ranged from 0.01 to 0.62 mg/kg, with a general average of 0.16±0.14 mg/kg. Cadmium levels varied significantly between different groups of foods, with the highest levels occurring in dairy (0.41±0.25 mg/kg), and the lowest in confectioneries and fruits (0.07±0.04 mg/kg). Nickel levels ranged from 0.05 to 9.22 mg/kg with a general average of 2.1±1.5 mg/kg. The levels of both metals were found to be higher than the levels observed in similar foods in some developed countries, but also compared well with the levels in some other parts of the world.