QUANTIFICATION OF LEAD CONTAMINATION IN DIFFERENT SAUDI CHOCOLATE BRANDS USING ATOMIC ABSORPTION TECHNIQUE

Introduction: Although chocolate and candies are widely preferred snacks for children and adults, they can carry a risk of lead (Pb) contamination. The lead is considered as a toxic heavy metal that can cause many diseases to adults, including renal, reproductive, nervous, immune, and cardiovascular systems diseases. In children, lead can cause behavioral, developmental diseases and learning deficits. Aim and objectives:Our aim in this study is to measure the lead concentrations in different Saudi chocolate brands from different Saudi cities in order to compare it to the American FDA recommended levels of lead.Secondary objective: to assess if chocolate lead contamination contributes to the high blood lead levels that was found in our pediatric population. Methods: Ten different chocolate brands products were brought from different Saudi cities markets these samples were digested using (MARS 6) Microwave Digestion system. The clear digested samples were diluted to 50 ml and subjected for the trace elements determination by Flame atomic absorption spectrometry using AAS-7000. Results:All chocolate products that we investigated have shown lead levels between (0.00006 to 0.00654 ppm) which are below the recommended levels. Conclusion:Depending on our findings, the different chocolate brands that we have studied are within the acceptable ranges of lead contamination, as recommended by the American FDA. Further studies should focus on other causes of lead exposure as we have a high blood lead levels in our pediatric population.