Determination of mineral contents and heavy metals of oats samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Products made from oats, such as probiotic drinks, breads, biscuits, cookies and instant muesli (rolled oats), are becoming more and more popular. The number of heavy metals present in rolled oats has not been reported. This study sets out to ascertain the Lead (Pb) and Copper (Cu) contents in rolled oats that were collected from various parts of India, as well as to evaluate the safety of the rolled oats that were sold in India’s domestic market for human consumption. Oats have anticancer properties and are useful for gastrointestinal issues. One kind of minimally processed wholegrain food is rolled oats. Traditionally, they are manufactured from steamed and dehusked oat groats which are then rolled into flat flakes by heavy rollers and lightly roasted to stabilise. The rough outer bran of rolled oats is typically removed before being sold for porridge. They have frequently-though not always-been pressure-cooked, softly baked, or subjected to various types of processing. Large intact flakes are known as thick-rolled oats, whereas tiny, fragmented flakes are known as thin-rolled oats. Five samples were analysed in the lab; four of them were collected with FSSAI MRL values below the maximum residue level and the fifth sample had MRL values over the maximum. The FSSAI limit “Food not specified” yields the MRL value. With measurements of Pb-0.0344, Cu-3.7922, As-0.0081, Cd-0.0034, Sn-0.0036, Hg-0.0190, and the poorest sample, Pb-0.312, Cu-30.26, As-2.00, Cd-251, Sn-1.523, and Hg-2.88, Oats’ second sample yielded the best results.