Clinical Pharmacist and Master’s student in Clinical Pharmacy with research interests in pharmacovigilance, behavioral interventions in mental health, and AI applications in clinical decision support. Experience includes digital health research with Bloomsbury Health (London) and pharmacovigilance practice in patient support programs. Published work covers drug awareness among healthcare providers, postpartum depression management, and patient safety reporting. 
Clinical Pharmacist and Master’s student in Clinical Pharmacy with research interests in pharmacovigilance, behavioral interventions in mental health, and AI applications in clinical decision support. Experience includes digital health research with Bloomsbury Health (London) and pharmacovigilance practice in patient support programs. Published work covers drug awareness among healthcare providers, postpartum depression management, and patient safety reporting. What was studied?
This original research article investigated the presence and concentration levels of trace metals, specifically arsenic, tin, copper, lead, zinc, and iron, in commercially available fruit juices sold in Southeastern Nigeria. The research was motivated by concerns over metal contaminants in fruit juices, which can arise from both raw materials and equipment used during processing. Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, the study quantitatively measured the concentrations of these metals in juice samples to assess compliance with established safety standards. The findings are directly relevant to the heavy metal certification program, as they provide a real-world assessment of contaminant levels in a major consumer product and highlight the importance of rigorous testing and regulation.
Who was studied?
The study focused on 130 packaged fruit juice samples representing thirteen different commercial brands commonly sold in the main markets of five urban centers in Southeastern Nigeria: Enugu, Awka, Owerri, Abakiliki, and Umuahia. The brands included popular names such as Five Alive, Dansa, Frutta, Chivita, and Fumman, with a variety of fruit flavors like citrus, apple, mango, orange, and pineapple. All sampled juices had a minimum of four months remaining before expiry and were approved by Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), ensuring that the products reflected typical, regulated market offerings.
Most important findings
| Metal | Concentration Range (mg/l) | Regulatory Limit (mg/kg) | Observations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | <0.001 | 0.2 | Levels were very low, well below regulatory limits. |
| Tin | <0.001 | 200 | Detected at trace levels only, far below the maximum allowable concentration. |
| Lead | 0.001 – 0.005 | 0.1 | All juices contained copper; the highest in Chivita Apple, lowest in Fumman Orange. |
| Copper | 0.015 – 0.22 | 5.0 | All samples were well below allowed maximum; Dansa Mango had the highest value. |
| Zinc | 0.605 – 1.360 | 5.0 | All samples within safe limits; Chivita Orange had the highest value. |
| Iron | 0.755 – 1.532 | 15.0 | All samples were well below the allowed maximum; Dansa Mango had the highest value. |
Key implications
These findings indicate that commercially sold fruit juices in Southeastern Nigeria currently comply with international heavy metal safety standards, supporting the efficacy of existing regulatory controls. However, the study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and strict regulation, as variations among brands suggest potential for contamination through processing equipment or raw materials. For heavy metal certification programs, this underlines the need for routine, standardized testing across the production and supply chain to ensure ongoing compliance and consumer safety.
Citation
Onyeneto TC, Nwachukwu IN, Nwogwugwu NU. Trace metals and contaminants in commercial fruit juices sold in south eastern states, Nigeria. Annals of Biological Research. 2015;6(10):15-19.
Lead is a neurotoxic heavy metal with no safe exposure level. It contaminates food, consumer goods and drinking water, causing cognitive deficits, birth defects and cardiovascular disease. HMTC’s rigorous lead testing applies ALARA principles to protect infants and consumers and to prepare brands for tightening regulations.
