Assessment of heavy metal contaminants in tomatoes processed with locally fabricated milling machine

Tomatoes are a staple food in many diets worldwide, often processed using locally fabricated milling machines in sub-Saharan Africa. However, these machines may introduce metal contaminants into tomato products, posing health risks. This study assesses the levels of heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Pb, Cd, Mg, Ca, Mn,) in tomatoes milled with locally fabricated machines. Samples were analysed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The analysis showed that the detected metals from Tomatoes sourced from South (TSS) are Fe, Mg and Ca with concentration that varies between 8.08 to 27.44 mg/kg, 112.81 to113.46 mg/kg, 0.66 to 0.75 mg/kg respectively. While for Tomatoes sourced from the North (TSN), the metals detected are Fe, Cu, Pb, Mg, and Ca with concentration varying from 7.56 to 29.28 mg/kg,11.65 to 11.84 mg/kg, 0.011 to 0.08 mg/kg, 140.62 to142.54 mg/kg, and 0.5 mg/kg, respectively. Result of the analysis revealed that some contaminants might have been introduced during the milling process. Both carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risk analysis revealed that adult and child exposure to risk is below minimal. The findings highlight the need for improved locally fabricated milling machine design and stricter food safety regulations to mitigate metal contamination.