Determination of Heavy Metals in Two Common Street Foods (Falafel and Chiken Shoulder & Wing) Consumed in Qom City, Iran

Background & Aims: Street foods are ready-to-eat and drinks prepared sold by vendors on the streets other public places for immediate consumption or at times without any processing steps welcomed a wide range of people reasons such as economy easier access. This study aimed to investigate status heavy metals lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), manganese (Mn) in most common street Qom City, Iran, (Falafel, shoulders wings) according particular cultural, social, pilgrimage, tourism conditions city. Materials Methods: After preparing collecting 18 samples Falafel wings summer via quota stratified sampling method from supply distribution centers city, were transferred instrumental analysis laboratory faculty health. crushing, grinding, weighing 2g samples, dry ashing was performed while maintaining temperature program. White ash dissolved 5% nitric acid, finally, concentrations Pb, Cd, As, Al, Mn measured graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Results: According this study, Mn, Pb had highest falafel, shoulder, wing samples. Mean As falafel 10.07±9.82, 0.0005±0.0002, 0.0007±0.0003, 2.65±1.33, 24.50±11.91 µg/g, respectively, shoulder 11.12±7.70, 0.0009±0.0006, 0.050±0.018, 1.62±1.24, 18.50±14.64 respectively. Also, higher than standard level all The results showed that mean concentration Cd Falafel, less level. Conclusion: aluminum, lead, is level; it seems if necessary hygienic measures not taken during various stages production these foods, will seriously threaten health consumers. usefulness enjoyment food essential factors encouraging consumers purchase type food, so with widespread acceptance society, strategies should be adopted authorities create proper culture society emphasizing correct understanding safety hazards quality consumed.