An investigation into the level of metallic pollutants in roadside-sundried food products from selected areas of Ondo and Osun states, Nigeria

The extent of atmospheric metallic pollution in roadside-sundried food products from selected areas of Ondo and Osun states, Nigeria, was investigated. Nine different road networks in the selected states were covered while the food products collected along these highways were fermented cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) mash, unripe plantain (Musa AAB) slices, white yam (Dioscorea rotundata) slices and pepper (Capsicum frutescens). The concentrations of the metallic pollutants (lead, cadmium, zinc, nickel, iron and copper) in the food products were found to vary from one product to the other. The minimum and maximum levels of these metallic pollutants generally present were lead (0.0024–0.0083 mg/100 g), Cadmium (0.0014–0.0131 mg/100 g), zinc (0.0078–5.41 mg/100 g), nickel (0.0016–0.0098 mg/100 g), iron (0.104–24.13 mg/100 g) and copper (0.0001–3.42 mg/100 g). The level of atmospheric metallic pollutants as found in roadside-sundried food products was generally below the recommended maximum limits by the FAO/WHO, yet their continuous consumption might lead to a potential health risk. The roadside-sundrying practitioners were observed to be ignorant of the potential health challenges the metallic pollutants might cause, via the cumulative consumption of roadside-sundried food products. Therefore, an enlightenment programme is highly desirable such that the roadside-sundrying practice could be discouraged