Heavy metals in meat of Finnish city rabbits
A. Damerau1, E. R. Venäläinen2 and K. Peltonen3
1 University of Helsinki, Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, Helsinki, Finland
2 Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira, Chemistry and Toxicology Unit, Helsinki, Finland
Levels of cadmium, chromium, lead, copper, manganese, and zinc in city rabbits were determined to evaluate the edibility of the meat. Mean concentrations of toxic metals were 0.011 mg/kg for cadmium and 0.037 mg/kg for lead. Cadmium and lead concentrations were below the admissible maximum levels set by EU. Concentration of toxic metals in the meat was sufficiently low that consumption of the meat does not pose a health risk for human. Investigation of PAHs, pesticides, and other environmental pollutants is required before the meat can be declared safe.
Key words: ICP-MS / heavy metals / rabbit / meat
© Owned by the authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2013