Data on metals, nonmetal, and metalloid in the samples of the canned tuna and canned sardines sold in Brazil

The safety of food is a matter of global concern today. Continuous monitoring of canned tuna and canned sardines quality is essential regarding metal, nonmetal, and metalloid content. In this article, we present the data on the elemental content obtained in canned tuna and canned sardines by using inductively coupled plasma optical spectrometry (ICP OES), as well as the data on Pollution Index (PI) and Health Risk Index (HRI). Pollution index and health risk index are tools used to assess elemental contamination in the environment and food. A total of 6 metals (Al, Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, and Zn), one nonmetal (Se), and one metalloid (As) were quantified in the samples of the canned tuna and canned sardines. For elements as Al, Cu, Fe, and Se, PI > 1. In addition, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Zn, and Pb have PI values less than 1. The HRI values for some canned tuna samples were above 1 for elements such as Al, Ba, Ca, and As. For canned sardines, the elements Cr, Ni, and As showed HRI values >1.