Incidence and public health risk assessment of toxic metal residues (cadmium and lead) in Egyptian cattle and sheep meats.

Environmental pollution by heavy metals is a serious problem worldwide. This study aimed to investigate comparisons between concentrations of toxic metals (cadmium and lead) in the liver, kidneys, and muscle of Egyptian cattle and sheep. The effect of animal age on levels of toxic metal residues as well as results of a public health risk assessment is also reported. The results show that both cadmium and lead levels exceeded Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization permissible limits in the liver and kidneys. These parts had higher concentrations of toxic metals compared with muscle in the two animal species examined. Age had a significant influence on toxic metal accumulation in both species. The hazard index indicates that consuming the livers and kidneys of these animals might pose a health risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]