Lead and cadmium concentrations in meat, liver and kidney of Slovenian cattle and pigs from 1989 to 1993.

This paper describes the results of investigation into the concentrations of lead and cadmium in tissues of pigs and cattle from slaughterhouses in Slovenia in the period between 1989 and 1993. Analyses were performed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Quality assurance was carried out by analysis of certified reference materials and recovery tests. The mean concentrations of lead in bovine meat, liver and kidney were 0.05, 0.10 and 0.14 mg/kg wet weight and those in the corresponding pig tissues were < 0.05, 0.06 and 0.06 mg/kg wet weight. The mean cadmium concentrations in bovine meat, liver and kidney were 0.004, 0.094 and 0.373 mg/kg wet weight, respectively, while those in the corresponding pig tissues were 0.010, 0.088 and 0.393 mg/kg wet weight. The majority of tissues analysed corresponded to our valid tolerances for both elements, which had not been the case in the previous 5 year period. The agreement with tolerances was to be expected because in 1990 the Veterinary Directorate of Slovenia prescribed a directive on the basis of which kidneys of cattle older than 5 years and pigs older then 2 years should be regarded as unfit for human consumption.