Characterizing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Smoked Chicken from Ilorin and Implications for Human Health

Abstract

Smoked chicken products from the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute and three locations in Ilorin, Nigeria, were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using gas chromatography. Total PAH levels ranged from 490.893 to 509.064 μg/kg across samples, with benzo(α)pyrene levels (0.947–1.072 μg/kg) within the safe limit of 2 μg/kg. However, PAH4 levels (477.771–491.757 μg/kg) exceeded the European Union’s safe limit of 30 μg/kg. Mean Estimated Daily Intake, Carcinogenic Risk, and Toxicity Equivalent Factor were 0.299 µg/kg/day, 45.341, and 1.443, respectively. Regular monitoring and enforcement of quality control standards are crucial for consumer safety while promoting best practices across the industry.