In this study, an evaluation was undertaken to assess the amounts of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in certain animal-origin food items, both locally and imported in Iraq. Samples of beef, chicken, and fish were acquired and determined employing Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS). It was observed that the Pb contents were always found to be higher than those of Cd in all tested food materials. The maximum level of Pb was observed in the local fish belly (0.0955 mg/kg) and then in the local chicken skin (0.0860 mg/kg). The minimum Pb level was observed in the case of sardines (0.0022 mg/kg). Conversely, Cd content was detected to be lower, where the highest value was recorded in the local chicken breast (0.0053 mg/kg); several items contained non-detectable values. All the contents were found below the upper limit set by FAO/WHO. In terms of health risks, the estimated daily intake (EDI) was determined to be 6.82×10⁻⁵ mg/kg/day for Pb and 3.78 × 10⁻⁶ mg/kg/day for Cd. The THQ values were 0.0195 for Pb and 0.00378 for Cd; HI was calculated to be 0.0233. As HI was below one, there is no considerable health risk posed through non-cancer effects. The presence of relatively higher amounts in local samples than in imported samples indicates that there may be some effect of environmental pollution.