Cadmium levels in liver, kidney and meat in calves from Asturias (North Spain)

The aim of the present study was to investigate the levels of cadmium in calves from Asturias and to compare them with the levels reported in other countries and with the maximum tolerance levels in products for human consumption. The Principado de Asturias contains a large mining area and, for that reason,may deserve special attention with regard to possible heavy metal contamination. Samples of liver, kidney and meat from 312 animals aged 6-12 months were collected from the whole region. Samples were acid digested and cadmium concentrations were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GFAAS). A strict analytical quality control was carried out during the study. The average wet weight concentrations in liver, kidney and meat were respectively 30.7 mug/kg, 161 mug/kg and 2.03 mug/kg and the levels found in the different tissues were comparable to those reported from other investigations carried out in different countries in recent years. Only 2.9% of kidneys exceeded the tolerance limits established in the strictest legislation, whereas no samples of liver and meat exceeded the limits.