Braised and flamed chickens known as "poulet bicyclette" are famous and popular street food in Burkina Faso. Although they are important sources of a wide range of essential trace elements for humans, they can also contain toxic metals. The aim of the study was to assess the concentrations and health risk of metallic trace elements (Ag, Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Ni, Cd, Pb) in ready-to-eat braised and flamed chickens in Burkina Faso. The concentrations and health risk assessment were estimated by atomic absorption spectrometry and hazard quotient method, respectively. The concentrations of Cu (3.12 mg kg-1), Fe (20.17 mg kg-1), and Ni (0.22 mg kg-1) were about 2 times higher in flamed chickens than in braised ones. Cd (0.45 mg kg-1) and Cr (2.50 mg kg-1) were 2 to 5 times more concentrated in braised chickens than flamed chickens. Pb was found in 72.72% of braised chicken and 62.06% of flamed chicken samples, above the maximum limit set by the JECFA. The daily intakes of Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn contributed for less than 2% to the recommended daily intakes set by the Institute of Medicine of USA for both males and females, whereas Cr contributed for more than 20% from braised chicken. The estimated monthly intakes of Cd represented about 1.92-4.06% of the provisional tolerable monthly intake of Cd set by FAO/WHO. A non-cancer risk estimated as hazard index has been recorded at the maximum level of consumption for female consumer group for flamed chicken (HI = 2.14). The estimated cancer index risk in this study is below the reference value (10-4) set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA).
Keywords: Braised; Chicken; Daily intake; Flamed; Metallic trace elements; Risk assessment.