TY  - JOUR
TI  - High-resolution trace element profiling of culinary spices using ICP-MS: a comparative study on nutritional and toxicological markers for food safety surveillance
AU  - Didi, Abdessamad
AU  - Essaidi, El Mehdi
AU  - Krim, Mustapha
AU  - Badague, Abdelwahab
AU  - Aarab, Iliasse
AU  - Amsil, Hamid
AU  - Rrhioua, Abdeslem
PY  - 2026
JO  - Exploration of Foods and Foodomics
VL  - 4
SP  - 1010139
DO  - 10.37349/eff.2026.1010139
UR  - https://www.explorationpub.com/Journals/eff/Article/1010139
AB  - This study aimed to characterize and quantify essential and potentially toxic elements in commonly consumed spices in order to evaluate their nutritional value and assess possible food-safety risks related to metal contamination. Four spices: fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), black pepper (Piper nigrum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and ginger (Zingiber officinale) were collected from a supermarket in Mehdia (Kenitra, Morocco). Samples were homogenized, sieved (< 250 μm), and digested using a nitric/perchloric acid mixture (3:1, v/v) following AOAC Method 999.10. Sixteen elements were determined using high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Quality assurance was ensured through the use of blanks, duplicate analyses, and certified reference material (NIST SRM 1573a). The results revealed significant elemental variability among the spices: ginger showed the highest sodium and manganese levels, turmeric was rich in potassium and magnesium, black pepper exhibited elevated calcium, and fenugreek contained high phosphorus concentrations. Lead was detected in all samples (3.60–15.90 μg/kg), remaining below Codex Alimentarius limits. Overall, the findings demonstrate the reliability of ICP-MS for ultra-trace elemental analysis in spices and confirm their dual nutritional and toxicological relevance. Although toxic metal levels were within regulatory limits, continuous monitoring and strengthened safety controls are recommended to minimize potential health risks.
ER  -