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Heavy metal levels in Spanish cheeses: influence of manufacturing conditions
R Moreno-Rojas1, P J Sánchez-Segarra, F Cámara-Martos
1a Departamento de Bromatología y Tecnología de Alimentos , University of Cordoba, Campus de Rabanales , Edificio Darwin C-1 , 14040 Córdoba , Spain.
Abstract:
Heavy metal (Pb, Cd, Hg) and Ni contents were determined in a wide variety of cheeses consumed in Spain from all geographical regions and with the official "Protected Designation of Origin". Pb content ranged from 110 to 5 µg kg(-1), which can be considered safe as, in all cases, the Pb contribution did not exceed 50% of the toxic density. Cd levels ranged between 11.4 to 1.3 µg kg(-1); however, the toxic density values for Cd in different types of cheeses exceeded the reference value in some cases. The highest Hg content was found to Gata-Hurdes (208.3 µg kg(-1)), corresponding to a very high toxic density value (325%). Ni levels in cheese indicated that they are not good sources of this element. The type of milk, rennet and coagulation process had a significant influence on heavy metal levels in cheeses.
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