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Lead contamination in Australian game meat
Jordan O Hampton1,2, Deborah J Pain3, Eric Buenz4
1Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia. jordan.hampton@unimelb.edu.au.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|February 16, 2023
Summary
Lead fragments from ammunition contaminate Australian game meat, particularly venison and quail, posing health risks. Commercial kangaroo and wallaby meat show lower lead levels, but recreational hunters face higher risks.
Area of Science:
- Food safety and toxicology
- Wildlife management
- Environmental health
Background:
- Lead-based ammunition fragments contaminate game meat.
- Australia has commercial game meat and recreational hunters.
- No prior studies on lead in Australian game meat.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate lead fragment presence and concentration in Australian game meat.
- Assess potential health risks associated with game meat consumption.
Main Methods:
- Examined 133 minced game meat samples (kangaroo, wallaby, deer, quail).
- Used digital radiography to detect radio-dense fragments.
- Measured lead concentrations (mg/kg wet weight).
Main Results:
- Visible fragments in 4% wallaby, 28% venison, 35% quail; none in kangaroo.
- Lead concentrations exceeded food safety thresholds in 53% venison and 86% quail.
- Radiography detected only 35% of samples above the safety threshold.
Conclusions:
- Commercially available macropod meat has low lead levels.
- Recreationally harvested venison and quail pose health risks due to lead contamination.
- Radiography is insufficient for detecting all lead contamination.
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