INTRODUCTION: Analysis of the occurrence of cadmium and chromium in selected samples of fruit spirits intended for own consumption. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In our pilot study, we analysed 89 samples of fruit spirits intended for own consumption. The samples were mineralized with use of microwave decomposition system MULTIWAVE 60 50 Hz and analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry with a graphite furnace (AAS GBC XPLORAA 5000 with GF 5000). RESULTS: Most of the analysed samples originated from plums (39), apples (38) and pears (5). The average ethanol concentration was 53.7%. Cadmium and chromium were detected in all samples. The highest concentration of chromium and cadmium was found in the apple spirit (31.9 ± 6.6 μg/l and 40.1 ± 8.3 μg/l). CONCLUSIONS: The ethanol concentration in the samples was higher than in distribution spirits. Concentrations of chromium in all samples did not exceed the limit given by the Slovak legislation or the limit of the AMPHORA. The permissible cadmium concentration (10 μg/l according to the AMPHORA) was exceeded in 9 samples. This indicates the potential importance of cadmium compared to chromium. Due to the lack of information in this field, the study presents an important starting point for further research.

Department of Public Health Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin Comenius University in Bratislava Slovak Republic

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