Trace heavy metals composition of some Nigerian beverages and food drinks

Several beverages and food drinks available in the market in Nigeria were analysed for their contents of the heavy metals, cadmium, cobalt, chromium? copper, iron, nickel, lead and zinc. The beverage types were grouped into tea, cocoa-based, coffee, cereal-based, dairy products, fruit juices, malt drinks, carbonated soft drinks and wines (non-alcoholic). The levels of the various metals were generally low, and within statutory safe limits. The levels compare well with those reported for similar beverages from some other parts of the world. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. AU rights reserved.