Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content in singed edible ruminant hides and skins of animals from North-western Nigeria

ABSTRACT

PAHs are hazardous chemicals associated to cancer and other health concerns that endanger food safety. This study aimed at Assessment of PAHs content in singed ruminant hides and skins sold in retail outlets within seven major abattoirs of North-western Nigeria. Concentration of PAHs was investigated on 96 singed and unsigned hides and skins samples using Gas-Chromatograph Mass-Spectrometer-detector (GC-MSD). The cattle and camel hides had higher frequency of PAH occurrence. Acenaphthene ng/kg (5.07 ± 4.44) and (3.80 ± 4.73) exhibited the highest PAHs concentrations and was detected in singed camel hides. Chrysene (0.02 ± 0.00 ng/kg) is the only PAH found in unsigned (control) samples and was seen in cattle hide. Additionally, Naphthalene, Indeno [1,2,3.c.d] pyrene and Chrysene linked to cancer were detected. However, all singed PAHs did not exceed EU maximum permissible limit (12 µg/kg) 12,000 ng/kg. Singeing significantly elevated (P < 0.05) PAHs concentration in ruminant hides and skins. Hence, singed ruminant hides and skins from North-western Nigeria are to a large extend safe for consumption. However, perpetual patronage of singed ruminant hides and skins needs to be discouraged to abate public health concerns in the long run.

KEYWORDS:

• Animals
• assessment
• biomonitoring
• singed hides and skin
• polyaromatic hydrocarbons

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the effort and contribution of the Department of Biological Sciences, Bayero University, Kano for providing the tools and materials for the conduct of the work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).