Use of scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy to detect metallic contamination in candies

Abstract

Candies are foods made from sugar mixture with other ingredients with multiple shape, aroma, color, and consistency. Their consumption is prevalent in children, but spread through all age groups. The packaging ink of some candies may adhere to the surface of the product. These wastes are difficult to remove, and may be ingested. Scanning Electron Microscopy with dispersive energy spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) is used to analyze chewable candies. The results revealed mainly calcium, silicon, potassium, chlorine and sodium. The transfer of iron, titanium and aluminium from the packaging to the candies was observed in 3 lots. Lead residues were found in one batch. From the total samples (n = 40), 15 % were contaminated with packing ink. From those, 66.7 % presented traces of metal and 16.7 % are contaminated with lead. Finally, the results evinced SEM/EDS as an interesting tool for metal analysis in food being easy to operate, portable and non-destructive.