Assessment of Bread Safety in Gusau- Zamfara State: Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Potassium Bromate and Some Heavy Metals

Twenty-six (26) samples of different bread brands sold in Gusau metropolis of Northern Nigeria were analyzed for potassium bromate and some heavy metals content. The study revealed the presence of potassium bromate in all the samples analyzed. The concentrations ranged from 3.45-9.38 mg/kg; all the values were above the allowed limit by FDA of 0.02 μg/g (0.02 mg/kg). Atomic absorption spectroscopic method was used for the heavy metals determination, the heavy metals determined were Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn and Fe, and results obtained were assessed on the basis of the permissible limits for the respective metals in Foods. The concentrations of Pb, and Cd in the samples were in the range of 0.12-1.20 mg/kg and 0.010- 0.081mg/kg respectively. Permissible limit for Pb and Cd in food is 0.2-2.5 mg kg-1 and 0.05 mg/kg respectively. The levels of Cadmium in some of the samples (Samples E, F, H, P R and S) suggest a certain degree of contamination. The values for Cu, Zn and Fe in the samples ranged as follows; Cu (0.03-0.099 mg/kg), Zn (0.24-5.23 mg/kg) and Fe (0.71- 6.67 mg/kg). Cu and Zn content in all the samples where within permissible limits. The concentration for Fe was above permissible limit in one of the samples (samples G, 6.67 mg/kg).