Content and Dietary Exposure Assessment of Toxic Elements in Milk and Dairy Products from the Henan

This study aimed to investigate the concentrations of toxic elements, including chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), in milk and dairy products from Henan and assess their potential health risks to the local population through dietary exposure. A total of 150 cow-milk-based dairy products, including sterilized, pasteurized, fermented, and modified milk were collected from 17 prefecture-level cities in Henan. The toxic elements were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and margin of exposure (MOE) were calculated for different age groups based on the average consumption rates. The mean concentrations of Cr, As, Cd, and Pb were 1.48 µg/kg, 0.25 µg/kg, 0.124 µg/kg, and 0.81 µg/kg, respectively, all below the maximum levels set by China, the CAC, and the European Union. No significant differences were found between domestic and imported products. The HI values were well below 1, indicating low health risks across all age groups. The THQ risk ranking was As > Cr > Pb > Cd. If assessed using the MOE, the potential exposures to toxic elements were arranged as Pb > Cd > As > Cr. The study concludes that the current levels of toxic elements in milk and dairy products from Henan pose no significant health risks to consumers. However, continuous monitoring is recommended, especially for lead exposure in children and adolescents, to ensure long-term consumer safety.