The aim of this work was to determine the level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in singed cowhides and charcoal grilled meat (suya) commonly consumed in Nigeria. The study area covered major markets in Umuahia. A total number of ten PAH (naphthalene, acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene and chrysene) were investigated in singed cowhide and grilled lean meat samples. The PAHs were identified using gas chromatographic fitted with a flame ionization detector. Seven out of ten PAHs in the barbecued charcoal grilled meat (suya) were below the instrument detection limit while the levels of Naphthalene, Acenaphylene and Flourene found in the samples were 9260 μg/kg, 9920 μg/kg and 2565 μg/kg respectively. However only Naphthalene (1.624 μg/kg) were found in the singed cow hide. This study confirms the presence of PAHs in barbecued charcoal grilled meat and singed cowhide.
