The prevalence of Lead (Pb) in liver and kidney samples of
slaughtered pigs at Sabo Wakama Market of Akun-Development Area
of Nasarawa State was determined using Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometer. A total of thirty number of samples were
collected for analyses and all the samples were positive for Lead
residues. The highest and lowest concentration of Lead (Pb) residue
in liver and kidney were found to be among the age groups of 0-2
years and those at 3-5 years respectively. There was a significant
difference (P< 0.05) in the concentration of Lead in liver and kidney
samples of the different age groups of the slaughtered pigs. The
mean Lead concentration in liver and kidney of all the age ranges is
higher than the maximum permissible level of Lead (0.5 mg/kg) in
edible offal of pig recommended by Food and Agricultural
Organisation (FAO, 2002). It is therefore obvious that the liver and
kidney of the slaughtered pigs at Sabo Wakama Market of AkunDevelopment
Area contain Lead residues. This finding needs an
immediate attention of health regulatory authorities and the
researchers as well. There is an urgent need of local database or risk
assessment studies in local food animals to assess the potential risk
to animals and humans from heavy metals residue.