Evaluation of the chemical content and sensory properties of some ready-made potato chips products (Chips) available in the local markets in Brak Al Shati area

Abstract

Aims: This study was conducted to determination of concentration of some heavy metals in potato chips samples due to essential or toxic nature of this metals and due to increase consumption of potato chips especially by children. Methods: This study was conducted on 8 samples of the most widely consumed ready-made dry potato chips, in addition to the control sample (fried potato slices without any additives) collected from local markets in the Brak Al-Shati area. The concentrations of heavy metals in the most widely consumed ready-to-eat foods are considered to be higher than the permissible levels. 20 chemical elements were detected in potato chip samples: (potassium (K), calcium (Ca), silicon (Si), chlorine (Cl), aluminum (Al), phosphorus ( P), nickel(Ni), sulfur(S), iron(Fe), manganese(Mn), copper(Cu), zinc(Zn), cadmium(Cd), barium(Br), silver(Ag), titanium( Ti), uranium (U), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr) and sodium (Na) including the control sample (0), were determined by: X-ray fluorescence analysis, Results: The study recorded presence of this heavy metals in all samples in different concentrations.The percentage of contamination with Cd was high in all samples and exceeded the permissible limit of 0.001 ppm as stated in EPA/US 2015, and a data evaluation was also conducted. Product packaging, sensory evaluation, and compliance with hardness specifications. Conclusion: The results showed that some samples contain these metals in a percentage above the permissible limit, this exposes consumers of these products to the risk of developing serious health problems