Authors: Meenal Maan, Mayank Chauhan, Dr. Rishabh Bhardwaj
Abstract: Food contamination has emerged as a major global concern due to increasing industrialization, intensive agricultural practices, environmental pollution and improper food handling procedures. Contaminants such as pesticide residues, antibiotic residues, heavy metals and naturally occurring toxins frequently enter the food chain and may pose significant risks to human health. Chronic exposure to these contaminants has been associated with cancer, neurological disorders, endocrine disruption, organ toxicity and antimicrobial resistance. The present study evaluates major food contaminants commonly detected in fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, fish, cereals and processed foods. Food samples collected from agriculturally intensive regions of western Uttar Pradesh were analyzed using advanced analytical techniques including Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The occurrence, sources, detection methodologies and public health implications of contaminants were investigated. Results revealed detectable levels of pesticide residues, antibiotic residues, heavy metals and mycotoxins in several food samples, with certain samples approaching or exceeding recommended safety limits. The findings highlight the importance of routine monitoring, regulatory compliance and sustainable agricultural practices for ensuring food safety and consumer protection.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20574084
