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Elemental composition of game meat from Austria
Kathrin Ertl1, Roland Kitzer2, Walter Goessler1
1a Institute of Chemistry Analytical Chemistry, NAWI Graz , University of Graz , Austria.
Food Additives & Contaminants. Part B, Surveillance
|February 18, 2016
Summary
Lead contamination in Austrian wild game meat, particularly from pellet ammunition, exceeds European limits in some samples. However, overall metal levels in muscle tissue do not pose a significant health risk.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Food Safety
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Wild game meat is a potential source of elemental exposure.
- Assessing heavy metal contamination in game meat is crucial for public health.
- Ammunition residues can introduce toxic elements into game meat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the concentrations of 26 elements in various Austrian wild game species.
- To assess potential health risks associated with metal contamination in game meat.
- To identify sources of contamination, such as ammunition residues.
Main Methods:
- Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for elemental analysis.
- Meat samples from chamois, hare, pheasant, red deer, roe deer, and wild boar were analyzed.
- Samples were collected during the 2012/2013 hunting season.
Main Results:
- Lead concentrations exceeded the European Commission's maximum limit (0.1 mg/kg) in 19 out of 61 samples.
- Chamois and pellet-shot animals exhibited a higher risk of lead contamination.
- No significant health risks were identified from other metal contaminants in the muscle samples.
Conclusions:
- Ammunition residues are a likely cause of elevated lead levels in some Austrian wild game meat.
- While lead contamination is a concern, other analyzed metals do not present a widespread health risk.
- Monitoring and potentially regulating ammunition use in hunting areas could mitigate lead exposure.
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