Controlling of heavy metals residues in raw meat

Date palm trees, Phoenix dactylifera L., are traditionally cultivated in Egypt and have recently spread globally which incorporate their co-products in food formulations for their health properties. The marinades of meat with plant origin co-products is an effective strategy established by consumers and the meat industry for improving the meat quality and extending their shelf-life. Therefore, this study evaluates the efficacy of Dates Seeds Powder (DSP) as a natural adsorbent for mitigating lead and cadmium contamination in meat marinades. The meat samples were divided into three groups for different treatment. First group (G1) without marinades with date seeds powder and kept as control. Second group (G2) of beef marinated with 5g of date seed powder (5%), meanwhile the third groups (G3) of beef marinated with 10g of date seed powder (10%). The results demonstrate a clear inverse relationship between DSP concentration and levels of lead and cadmium. The untreated control group (G1) had the highest mean lead and cadmium concentration. The group marinades with 10% DSP (G3) showed the most significant decrease, with a mean lead and cadmium concentration of 0.010 and 0.102 ppm respectively. Meat marinades with 5% DSP (G2) resulted in a 44% and 35% reduction in lead and cadmium concentration respectively. While, meat marinades with 10% DSP (G3) led to a more significant 71% and 53% reduction respectively. In conclusion, the significant reduction in Pb and Cd concentration, particularly at the 10% DSP level, highlights its potential as a natural food additive for heavy metal decontamination. The risk of non-cancer health effects from lead and cadmium through meat consumption in the studied population is low. the cumulative risk from both metals in meat is considered low to the study population.