This study measured Pb and Cd in 165 traditionally produced yogurt samples collected from 11 distinct regions across Lebanon using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The study compared measured concentrations to EU regulatory limits (0.020 mg/kg for Pb and 0.005 mg/kg for Cd in raw milk and dairy products per EU Regulation 2023/915). Key findings: 10.9% of samples exceeded the Pb limit, with the highest Pb concentrations in Baalbeck-Hermel (0.118 mg/kg), North Area (0.125 mg/kg), and South Lebanon (0.115 mg/kg). For Cd, 14.5% of samples exceeded the limit, with highest values in North Area (0.094 mg/kg), Baalbeck-Hermel (0.076 mg/kg), and Akkar (0.042 mg/kg). The authors link elevated contamination to industrial emissions, agricultural runoff, and waste disposal practices in the respective regions. Estimated daily intake calculations suggested low risk from yogurt alone, but cumulative dietary exposure from multiple dairy sources was flagged.
Key numbers
All values mg/kg (wet weight), n = 165 samples across 11 regions (n = 15 per region). Method: AAS.
Lead (Pb):
- Overall exceedance rate: 10.9% above EU limit of 0.020 mg/kg
- Highest regional concentrations: North Area = 0.125 mg/kg, Baalbeck-Hermel = 0.118 mg/kg, South Lebanon = 0.115 mg/kg
- EU regulatory limit: 0.020 mg/kg (EU 2023/915)
Cadmium (Cd):
- Overall exceedance rate: 14.5% above EU limit of 0.005 mg/kg
- Highest regional concentrations: North Area = 0.094 mg/kg, Baalbeck-Hermel = 0.076 mg/kg, Akkar = 0.042 mg/kg
- EU regulatory limit: 0.005 mg/kg (EU 2023/915)
Significant regional variation observed, with industrialized/agricultural-intensive areas (North, Baalbeck-Hermel, Akkar) showing highest contamination. Coastal and mountain areas (Chouf, Kesserwan, Jbeil, Batroun) reported lower concentrations. Exact mean and median values by region are in the published tables but not reproduced in extracted text; the maximum values and exceedance rates above are drawn from the abstract.
Methods (brief)
Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Samples collected from traditional dairy farms in each region; yogurt made by artisanal methods from regional cow milk without additives, preservatives, or stabilizers. Transported under refrigeration to laboratory for same-day analysis. Comparison to EU 2023/915 limits (0.020 mg/kg Pb; 0.005 mg/kg Cd). Estimated daily intake (EDI) calculated for Pb and Cd via yogurt consumption and compared to JECFA/WHO health guidance values. No LOD/LOQ values reported in available extracted text.
Implications
Certification: This is the first known study of Pb and Cd in Lebanese yogurt across regions. The 10.9% Pb and 14.5% Cd exceedance rates against EU limits indicate that certifying dairy products from Lebanon or similar Middle Eastern markets would require stricter supplier screening. The geographic pattern — industrial and agricultural-intensive regions driving highest contamination — is directly actionable for sourcing decisions.
Courses: Strong regional case study illustrating how industrial emissions, agricultural inputs, and waste management translate into measurable dairy contamination above EU food safety thresholds. Lebanon’s mixed agricultural-industrial land use is representative of many developing-market supply chains.
App: Contributes to the geographic breakdown for yogurt contamination data. Pb range 0.115–0.125 mg/kg and Cd range 0.042–0.094 mg/kg in worst regions represent reference points for Middle Eastern dairy supply chains.