Elemental profiling of processed foods using ICP-MS and chemometric evaluation of elemental patterns

The global rise in consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has heightened concerns regarding their nutritional quality and contamination with hazardous elements. This study investigated concentrations of macroelements, essential trace elements, and toxic elements in processed foods using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), combined with chemometric techniques to explore differences among food groups. Thirty-two food products, categorized as single vegetable, animal protein-based or mixed vegetable, were analyzed. Results revealed that some plant-based foods contained higher levels of macroelements, with K reaching 43,481 mg kg^-1 in raw cucumber, as well as elevated concentrations of trace elements including Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn. Certain animal-based products, particularly fish and seafood, exhibited elevated As concentrations, while Pb was detected in fish products. Root vegetables showed high Cd levels, with boiled carrots containing 662 μg kg^-1. These findings highlight the need for monitoring toxic elements in commonly consumed processed foods.