Levels of Acrylamide and Trace Elements in Potato and Corn Chips from the Jordanian Market

Abstract

Although potato and corn chips are among the foods that children in Jordan most desire, it is important to know that they are contaminated with acrylamide and metals from plants and processing. Thus, it is essential that these analytes are subject to close monitoring for safety and nutritional value. This study analyzed acrylamide and 23 elements in 30 potato and corn chip samples from the Jordanian market. The acrylamide concentration was 3.93 ± 1.50 mg/kg and was abundant in potato chips. The decreasing order of detected elements (mg/kg) was Ca (1314 > Mg (519) >> Fe (15.7) > Al (10.6) > Zn (7.01) > Mn, Ni (2.10) > Cu (1.72) > Sr (1.40) > Cr (0.65). The presence of potentially toxic elements (µg/kg) was found to be Pb (201) > Cd (56.1) > As (32.6) > In (1.60) > Tl (0.81). Potato chips have significantly more acrylamide, Mg, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, and Sr. Local chips have more Ca, Fe, and Ni. A significant difference (P < 0.05) between imported and local chips was observed for Ca and Ni. In contrast, a significant difference between potato and corn chips was observed for acrylamide, Mg, Cr, Mn, Ni, Sr, and Ba. Potential health risk hazard was expected from acrylamide samples ( > 1.75 mg/kg) and from lead samples ( > 0.455 mg/kg). No potential health risk hazard was observed from potentially toxic elements. However, four samples showed Pb levels > 0.445 mg/kg, one imported, three local, and four corn chips.