Health Risk Assessment of Packaging Materials and Chemical Contaminants in Grilled Foods in Ilorin, Kwara State Nigeria

Grilled foods are widely consumed in Ilorin, Nigeria, using varying packaging materials. Consequently, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the concentrations and Health Risk Assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrosamines, and acrylamide in grilled beef, chicken, fish and their packaging materials within Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria using appropriate standard techniques The food samples were examined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantify selected contaminants. Data obtained show that at this point provide the total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrosamines, and acrylamide and the data of their health risks in the grilled beef, chicken, fish and their packaging materials. Results revealed that some packaging materials particularly reused polyethylene and printed paper wrappers, contained residues capable of leaching into food under high temperatures. The concentrations of PAHs, nitrosamines, and acrylamide in several samples exceeded international safety limits, suggesting significant potential for chronic exposure and associated health risks, including carcinogenicity. The findings highlight the need for public health interventions, stricter food safety regulations, and consumer education regarding the choice of safe packaging and proper grilling practices.