Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations in commercially available infant formulae in Nigeria: Estimation of dietary intakes and risk assessment

Abstract

The concentrations and profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in commercially available infant formulae and follow-up formulae in Nigeria were determined with a view to providing information on the health risks to children from the consumption of these infant foods. The concentrations of PAHs were measured by means of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) after extraction by ultrasonication with acetone/dichloromethane and clean-up. The concentrations of the Σ16 PAHs in these infant formulae ranged from 0.102 to 1.98μgkg−1, 0.054–1.98μgkg−1, 0.081–2.54μgkg−1 and 0.51–0.70μgkg−1 for infants of ages 0–6months, 6–12months, 1–3years and 0–12months respectively. The concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) in all samples investigated were below the 1μgkg−1 European Commission permissible limit for BaP in foods meant for infants. The estimated daily intake of PAHs based on the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) suggested indicators of occurrence and effects of PAHs in foods were not detected (nd) to 2.67ngBaPkg−1bwday−1, nd-5.29ng PAH2kg−1bwday−1, nd-11.20ngPAH4kg−1bwday−1 and nd-34.96ngPAH8kg−1bwday−1. The estimated margin of exposure (MOE) values: BaP-MOE, PAH2-MOE, PAH4-MOE and PAH8-MOE values were greater than 10,000 which indicates that there are no health risks from the consumption of these products by infants. The concentrations and dietary exposure to PAHs from these products were similar to values reported in the literature for European Communities.