Determination of copper in food of animal origin and fish in Croatia

Concentrations of copper were determined in 321 foods of animal origin collected on Croatian farms and in fish collected at different market places along the Croatian coast. The foods included meat samples of wild boar, cattle, pigs, poultry, horse, goat, meat products (ham, sausages and pâté), three marine fish species, and milk and eggs. The copper level ranges (mg/kg) measured were: 0.01 to 15.3 in meat and meat products, 0.001–32.9 mg/kg in marine fish meat, 0.002 to 3.51 in milk, and 0.01 to 6.75 in eggs. The highest mean copper content was found (4.93 mg/kg) in the marine fish species picarel (Spicara smaris) and in the meat of wild boars (3.12 mg/kg). The lowest mean copper level was in milk (0.29 mg/kg). Differences in mean metal levels were found to be significant among the meat items and among fish species. The results presented in this study indicate that copper levels in most foods of animal origin produced and commonly consumed in Croatia were similar to or lower than those from other parts of the world, with the exception of beef, which had higher levels than those reported in other countries.

► The lowest mean copper level found in milk.
► The highest levels of copper found in the picarel and wild boars.
► Significant differences among the meat items and among fish species were found.
► Copper levels in foods in Croatia similar or lower than those in other countries.
► In beef was found higher levels than those reported in other countries.