In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the negative impact of unforeseen contaminants such as metals in commonly consumed food items, which pose a threat to human well-being. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to evaluate the levels of these contaminants to guarantee the safe consumption of these food items. The goal of the current research is to determine the levels of essential (EMs: Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn) and potentially toxic metals (PTMs: Al, Cr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb) in various brands of wheat-based sweets. One hundred samples were collected and analysed via flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Also, the current study was to investigate the distribution, correlation, and multivariate analysis of 13 metals (Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Al, Cr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb). Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to interpret the metals’ association. The concentration (mg/kg) ranges of EMs were, in order, Mg (12.70–65.67), Ca (24.02–209.12), Mn (1.32–9.61), Fe (4.55–111.23), Co (0.32–8.94), Cu (2.12–8.61), and Zn (2.60–19.36), while the concentration (mg/kg) ranges of PTMs were, in order, Al (0.32–0.87), Cr (0.17–5.74), Ni (0.36–1.54), Cd (0.16–0.56), and Pb (0.14–0.92), and As was not detected in any sample under investigation. The HCA data revealed that Co, Al, and Ni form clusters with other metals. Sweets are prepared at high temperatures, and the elevated temperatures can increase the likelihood of Ni and Al leaching from stainless steel. Tolerable dietary intake (TDI) values for Ni were higher than the values established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The CR value found for the Ni and Cr was at the threshold level of cancer risk, if an amount of 25 g were to be used over a lifetime. In a nutshell, this study highlights the monitoring of EM and PTM levels in wheat-based sweets, and from a food safety perspective, the study is important for consumers of wheat-based sweets.

Cosmetics are a staple in daily beauty routines worldwide, embraced for their role in enhancing personal appearance and self-care. However, their direct application exposes the skin to a range of ingredients, including metal(loid)s, and these can have a hazardous impact on human health if they exceed the limits defined by regulatory agencies. As a result, it is important to evaluate metal(loid) levels to ensure the safety of these cosmetic products. This research aimed to analyze several cosmetic products (massage cream, cleaner, mud mask, skin polish, scrub, lipstick, foundation, lotion, face powder, and highlighter) for metalloids (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, As, Sb, Cd, Pb, Bi, and Hg) by using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Multivariate and bivariate statistical approaches were used to interpret the sources and association between the metal(loid)s. The concentration ranges of metals were found to be Al (1.18–4.15 mg/kg), Cr (0.13–2.19 mg/kg), Mn (1.89–28.77 mg/kg), Fe (4.09–126.02 mg/kg), Co (0.19–31.62 mg/kg), Ni (0.11–5.39 mg/kg), Cu (0.08–0.19 mg/kg), Zn (1.99–47.81 mg/kg), Sr (0.99–10.34 mg/kg), Cd (0.16–1.50 mg/kg), Pb (0.29–2.44 mg/kg), Bi (0.23–2.18 mg/kg), and Hg (0.012–0.42 mg/kg), whereas the concentration ranges of metalloids were found to be As (0.011–0.051 mg/kg) and Sb (0.042–1.66 mg/kg). Among the tested cosmetic products for the metal(loid) levels, the estimation of the margin of safety (MOS < 100), hazard quotient (HQ > 1), hazard index (HI > 1), and cumulative cancer risk (LCR ≤ 1 × 10⁻³) indicated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks associated with the use of few products. Most of the cosmetics products under investigation are safe with respect to non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. By highlighting the need to limit excessive use and adhering to sustainable safety practices, this study underscores the importance of monitoring and regulating metal(loid) content to ensure consumer safety and mitigate environmental impact.

The presence of heavy metals in chocolates and candies poses growing public health concerns, particularly for children who are frequent consumers. This review consolidates evidence on the occurrence, sources, toxicological impacts, and analytical monitoring of metals, including Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr, Ni, and Al, in confectionery products. These metals originate from multiple pathways, including environmental contamination of raw materials, processing equipment, coloring agents, and metallic packaging. Prolonged exposure, even at low concentrations, has been associated with neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and developmental impairments. Comparative evaluation highlights Pb and Cd as the most prevalent contaminants, with Cd bioaccumulating in the kidneys and Pb causing irreversible neurological damage in children. Modern spectroscopic and chromatographic methods, including ICP‐MS, TXRF, and AAS, provide sensitive detection and quantification of metals, supporting regulatory compliance. However, disparities between permissible limits and detected concentrations in several studies emphasize weak enforcement and the need for standardized global monitoring protocols. The review also identifies major research gaps, limited region‐specific exposure data, inadequate assessment of combined metal toxicity, and a lack of longitudinal studies linking chronic exposure to contaminated confectionery and health outcomes. Strengthening analytical surveillance, adopting sustainable raw materials, and implementing safer packaging alternatives are essential to minimize heavy metal exposure and safeguarding consumer health.

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the negative impact of unforeseen contaminants like metals in commonly consumed food items, posing a threat to human well-being