Health Assessment of Heavy Metals, Phosphine, and Ergot Alkaloid Residues in Imported Wheat Grains and Their Products in The Saudi Local Market

Abstract

This research aims to health assessment of the presence of heavy metals (potentially toxic elements, PTEs), phosphine residues (PH3), and ergot alkaloids (EAs) in imported wheat grains (Triticum aestivum L.), wheat flour, and bread in Saudi Arabia. A total of 400 samples, with twenty-five from each variety, were collected from mills and retail outlets to assess potential contaminants comprehensively. The impact of the milling process on flour composition was also evaluated.

Wheat samples from Russia, Ukraine, Australia, and France, along with bread samples from the Al-Ahsa market and corresponding flour (80% and 70%) sourced from the Saudi Grains Organization (SAGO), were analyzed. Various types of bread, including Bur, Pan, Tamis, and Samuli, were included in the study. Heavy metal concentrations were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), phosphine residues via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS), and ergot alkaloids using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS).

Results indicated that heavy metal levels in wheat and flour from Russia and Ukraine were like those from Australian wheat, all remaining within acceptable limits. Notably, some samples showed no detectable traces of ergot alkaloids or phosphine. These findings enhance understanding of the health and quality of imported wheat, inform supply chain optimization, and promote public health by ensuring compliance with safety standards, thereby addressing potential health implications for consumers.