Heavy Metal Contamination in Packaged Foods and Health Risks: A Literature Review

Abstract

The development of the food industry has increased the consumption of packaged food products, particularly those using metal packaging. However, the use of such packaging has the potential to cause the migration of heavy metals into food, which can impact human health. This study aims to analyze heavy metal contamination in packaged food and evaluate its potential health risks through a literature review. Data were collected from various scientific literature published over the past five years. The results of the review indicate that metals such as Fe, Zn, Pb, and Cd can be found in food due to interactions between food ingredients, the environment, and packaging. Factors such as storage duration, acidity, and environmental conditions influence the rate of metal migration. Long-term exposure to heavy metals, particularly non-essential ones like Pb and Cd, can cause toxic effects and health issues. Risk assessments indicate that although metal concentrations are relatively low, cumulative effects still warrant attention. Therefore, food safety monitoring and increased consumer awareness are crucial.