Heavy metals in meat of Finnish city rabbits.

Levels of cadmium, chromium, lead, copper, manganese and zinc in city rabbits were determined to evaluate the edibility of the meat. Mean concentrations of toxic metals were 0.011 mg/kg for cadmium and 0.037 mg/kg for lead. Cadmium and lead concentrations were below the admissible maximum levels set by the EU. Concentrations of toxic metals in the meat were sufficiently low as to assume that consumption of the meat does not pose a health risk for human health. Investigation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides and other environmental pollutants is required before the meat can be declared to be completely safe.