Determination of heavy metal migration in different kinds of yoğurt produced in earthenware

In this study, yoghurt was fermented in pots from cow, sheep and buffalo milk and the levels of Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb transferred from the pot to the yoghurt were investigated by taking samples on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th days. In addition, 4% acetic acid migration test was applied. The findings of the study showed that migration occurred and increased during the study period both in 4% acetic acid test and in cow, sheep and buffalo yoghurt. When the migration levels of cow, sheep and buffalo yoghurt were compared with the migration levels of 4% acetic acid, it was observed that a higher level of migration occurred in 4% acetic acid solution. When the migration levels of Pb and Cd in cow, sheep and buffalo yoghurt were compared with the migration levels with 4% acetic acid, all the results obtained were below the legal limits. Again, when the migration levels of Al in cow, sheep and buffalo yoghurt were compared with the migration levels carried out with 4% acetic acid, Al exceeded the reported specific release limit (SRL) value in the 4% acetic acid solution experiment. In cow, sheep and buffalo yoghurt, Al values above the SRL value were observed in the samples taken on the 10th day of the study. Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu and Fe values were below the SRL limit in all groups and at all sample times. Zn was above the SRL in sheep yoghurt on days 4, 6, 8 and 10 of the study and in buffalo yoghurt on days 8 and 10. Since the Zn levels of sheep and buffalo milk were high, it is thought that high levels of Zn were also realised in yoghurt. In conclusion, not only two toxic heavy metals such as Pb and Cd, but also other heavy metals can migrate from earthenware containers. There are deficiencies in the current legislation in this regard, and future studies are likely to develop in this direction. However, it can be ensured by applying quality control standards in the raw materials and production processes of earthenware containers. It is of great importance to raise public awareness about the dangers of high levels of metals on human health.