Meat Processors and Consumers Perception of Toxic Heavy Metal Residues in Meat and Meat Products

Abstract

The study was carried out to examine the awareness of meat processors and consumers pertaining toxic heavy metal residues in meat and meat products in parts of Jigawa State Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was carried out using structured questionnaires. A sample size of 180, 90 meat processors (45 Gwaram and 45 Kafin Hausa) and 90 consumers (45 Gwaram and 45 Kafin Hausa) from Gwaram and Kafin Hausa Local Government Areas were randomly surveyed in Gwaram and Kafin Hausa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State. Information on meat processing consumption and pattern, awareness of toxic heavy metal residues and their health implication were examined. The results were analyzed using SPSS software version 25 and mean values presented in frequencies and percentages. Majority (77.8% and 85.6%) of the meat processors and consumers were unaware of the negative impact of toxic heavy metals on human health. Most of them (88.9 and 80.0%) were however not aware of the possibility of the occurrence of toxic heavy metals in meat and meat products. It was concluded that consumers and meat processors were not aware of the health implication of toxic heavy metal residues on human health. It is recommended that campaigns to create public awareness on the negative impact of toxic heavy metals and the banning of illegal mining activities and grazing of animals around contaminated areas be intensified.