Abstract:
This first-of-its-kind study investigates the occurrence of toxic metals in cornflakes
marketed in Lebanon and the associated health risks from their consumption. Following a
market screening, 21 stock-keeping units (SKUs) of cornflakes from different
manufacturers and countries of origin were identified and collected across two production
periods (n = 42). The samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass
Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) were quantified and compared against both international and Lebanese
regulatory standards. All samples exceeded international limits for Cr, while the majority
also surpassed permissible levels for Pb (73.8%) and Hg (76.2%), and to a lesser extent
(19%), As. However, concentrations of all toxic metals remained below the Lebanese
national limits. Brand did not significantly affect metal concentrations (p ≥ 0.05) in
determining metal concentrations, whereas statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05)
were observed for Cr and Pb levels between Lebanese and imported products. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) calculations indicated no significant health risk for adults. Nevertheless, the frequent detection of contaminated samples and the
increasing consumption of ready-to-eat cereals raise concerns about cumulative exposure,
particularly among children. This research underscores the urgent need for updated
national food safety regulations, strengthened food surveillance systems, and immediate
public health interventions to reduce toxic metal exposure in the Lebanese population.
