Levels of selected trace metals in canned tuna fish produced in Turkey

Trace metals (iron, zinc, copper, cadmium, tin, mercury and lead) in canned tuna, obtained from 4 different brands in Turkey, were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometer (ICP–MS). The trace metals were found to be in the range of 20.2–38.7 mg/kg for iron, 8.20–12.4 mg/kg for zinc, 0.48–0.58 mg/kg for copper, 0.01–0.02 mg/kg for cadmium, 0.02–0.13 mg/kg for tin, 0.06–0.30 mg/kg for mercury, and 0.09–0.45 mg/kg for lead. These results showed that there is no risk in canned tuna with respect to the concentrations of zinc, copper, cadmium and tin. However, it was determined that some of the samples may contain iron, lead and mercury above the legal limits set by health authorities. It was concluded that trace metals in canned tuna must be monitored comprehensively and periodically with respect to the consumer health.