Risk Assessment Of Dietary Exposure Research Articles

Organochlorine pesticides and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in giant African snail from the Niger Delta, Nigeria: Implications for dietary exposure and health risk assessment

The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were evaluated in snails from different locations in the Niger Delta of Nigeria to provide data about their sources and possible risk to humans from the consumption of snails. The OCP and PBDE concentrations in snail samples ranged from 0.31 to 12.2 ng g-1 and 0.21 to 10.9 ng g-1, respectively. The distribution patterns indicated the dominance of chlordanes and penta-BDEs for OCPs and PBDEs, respectively. The hazard index and total cancer risk values for human exposure to OCPs and PBDEs through consumption of these snails were less than 1 and 10-6 (acceptable risk value), respectively, indicating unlikely adverse health effects. The isomer ratios of OCPs in these snails reflected both historical and recent contamination, while the distribution patterns of PBDEs in these snails indicated sources linked to the use of the penta-BDE and octa-BDE formulations rather than the deca-BDE mixture in this region.

Risk assessment of dietary exposure due to Cyromazine and Melamine residues in poultry eggs from layer farms of Haryana, India

The practice of using Cyromazine (CYR) as feed additive larvicide at layer farms leads to occurrence of residues of CYR and its metabolite Melamine (MEL) in eggs and can cause public health problem. Therefore, the present research work was carried out to estimate the dietary exposure risk to consumers in Haryana, India where CYR is routinely used at layer farms as a measure of fly control. For this purpose, 110 egg samples were collected from layer farms located in selected districts of Haryana (Panchkula, Hisar, Ambala, Sirsa and Panipat). Samples were analyzed using High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-UV). CYR concentration was found to be above LOQ in 25 samples. The mean concentration of the CYR was found to be 42.71 µg kg−1 with a range of 16.88 -112.61 µg kg−1. MEL was not detected in any of the sample analyzed. Estimates of dietary exposure of CYR was found to be 33.40 µg per kg body weight per day. The results indicated that poultry farmers are using CYR as feed additive in layer birds for the purpose of fly control by following good agricultural practices and there is no risk of dietary exposure of CYR and MEL through consumption of eggs to the consumers.

High-resolution mass spectrometry-based suspect and nontarget screening of natural toxins in foodstuffs and risk assessment of dietary exposure

Daily dietary intake inevitably exposes individuals to various natural toxins, which may pose potential health threats. Focusing only on specific toxins could underestimate dietary risks. Therefore, we have developed a suspect and nontarget method based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) to screen both known and unknown natural toxins in various foodstuffs. An in-house database containing 2952 natural toxins including fungal toxins, phytotoxins, animal toxins and cyanotoxins was established, facilitating suspect screening. Predicted retention time and mass spectrometry data were employed to enhance the confidence levels. Subsequently, Nontarget screening method was conducted based on molecular network analysis, annotating the edges and nodes through modified types and fragmentation characteristics. Finally, we analyzed 102 foodstuff samples and identified a total of 90 natural toxins, including mycotoxins and phytotoxins, with 65 identified by suspect screening and 25 by nontarget screening. Based on measured concentrations, the daily per capita dietary intake of total natural toxins was estimated, it was below risk doses for natural toxins with available reference values. Overall, this work established a novel method for the comprehensive identification of natural toxins in foodstuffs and emphasized the importance of dietary risk assessment for natural toxins.

Risk assessment of dietary exposure to aflatoxins in nuts and spices. A pilot study in Yerevan, Armenia

The study aimed to assess aflatoxin (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2) exposure and potential health risks through nuts and spices consumption by adults (age 18-65, n = 554) in the capital city of Yerevan, where one-third of the Armenian population resides. AFs occurrence in nuts (peanut, almond, pistachio) and spices (black pepper, red pepper, mix of spices) was detected using HPLC. Daily consumption of products among the adult population was collected using a method of Food Frequency Questionnaire. The deterministic approach for risk assessment involved calculating the estimated daily intake and margin of exposure (MOE) of AFs, based on the EFSA benchmark dose of 0.4 μg/kg bw/day. AFs contents in products ranged from 0.011 μg/kg (mixed spices) to 0.391 μg/kg (ground red pepper), all below the EU regulatory limits. Ground black pepper was the main contributor to estimated exposure and a health concern (i.e. MOE<10000) was identified for high consumers in the worst-case scenario. Moreover, a health concern was present for individuals with a consumption of all studied food items (41% of the sample). Comparison with studies from neighboring countries and global data emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and regulation to mitigate aflatoxin exposure risks in countries of the Caucasus area and globally.

Multi-residue analytical method development and dietary exposure risk assessment of 345 pesticides in mango by LC-Q-TOF/MS

Mango is attracting increasing global attention for its superior flavor and nutritional benefits. However, the use of pesticides has resulted in a threat to its quality, safety, and human health due to their inevitable residue. There is an urgent need for advanced technologies that can efficiently and sensitively analyze a wide range of pesticides. In this study, a high-throughput screening and quantification method for 345 pesticides in mango was established by applying a modified QuEChERS method combined with liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF/MS). A response surface methodology (RSM) optimized the critical parameters for extracting various pesticides in 1% acetic acid-acetonitrile (v/v) using MgSO4, PSA, C18, and GCB as the adsorbents. The proposed method was successfully validated and applied to the quantitative detection of pesticide residues in 73 mango samples from Hainan. The study found pesticide residues in 95.9% of mango samples, of which 3 samples had residue concentrations in excess of the Chinese maximum residue limit. A total of 24 pesticides were detected, with detection percentages ranging from 1.4% (Thiabendazole) to 41.1% (Pyraclostrobin). Considering the possible health risks related to pesticide residues, risk assessment of human exposure to pesticides via intake of mango was evaluated. The acute and chronic dietary exposure risks related to pesticide residues in mango were accepted. In conclusion, this study provides a powerful platform for monitoring multiple pesticides in mango. First, it can promote the rational use of pesticides, and second, it can help consumers to assess the risk of dietary exposure to pesticide residues.

Investigation and risk assessment of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in main aquatic products in market from Shanghai

Dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans, PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) are widespread persistent organic pollutants with high toxicity. Aquatic product is an important source of high-quality protein, and understanding the occurrence and risk of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in aquatic products is of vital significance. In this study, 101 aquatic product samples (including freshwater fish, freshwater shrimp, freshwater crab, sea fish, sea shrimp, sea crab, and ocean mollusk) sold in Shanghai market from 2017 to 2023 were collected and the concentrations of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs were analyzed. In general, although the collected samples display high detection rate (15.4 %–100 % for PCDD/Fs and 76.9 %–100 % for dl-PCBs), the pollution levels of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs were relatively low in terms of concentrations as well as toxic equivalent (TEQ). Compared with other species, freshwater crabs exhibit higher contamination to PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs with detection rates of 100 % and the mean TEQ value of 4.008 pg TEQ g−1 ww, which was also at similar or lower level to the existing reports. Besides, the dl-PCBs pollution in sea fish and sea crab is also at relatively high level compared with other species. Furthermore, the PCDD/Fs level in aquatic products is much lower than the dl-PCBs. After the dietary exposure risk assessment, the mean and 95th percentile values of monthly ∑PCDD/Fs + dl-PCBs exposure via aquatic products for Shanghai residents aged ≥ 3 years old were 7.988 and 25.339 pg TEQ/kg bw/month, respectively, lower than the provisional monthly tolerable intake (PTMI, 70 pg TEQ/kg bw/month) set by the JECFA, indicating the acceptable and low exposure risk. This study provides fundamental information about the occurrence characteristics and risk assessment of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in aquatic products, and can act as reference basis for the formulation of control regulations and limit standards of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in aquatic products in China.

Method development, multi-residue determination, and dietary exposure risk assessment of plant growth regulators in homologous materials of medicine and food.

Residues of plant growth regulators (PGRs) in homologous materials of medicine and food threaten public health. This study aimed to develop a rapid, sensitive, and high-throughput method for simultaneously determining 16 PGR residues in homologous materials of medicine and food. Furthermore, the established method was applied to actual samples to assess the potential exposure risk of multi-PGR residues. A modified high-throughput quick, easy,cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method coupled with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was developed and validated. The extraction solvent, type of extraction method, and subsequent purification techniques were investigated to achieve a better analysis of the target. Risk assessment was based on chronic dietary risk assessment. Ultrasonic extraction with 1% formic acid-acetonitrile was employed, and MgSO4 + NaAc was selected as the clean-up sorbent. The 16 PGRs showed a good linear relationship in the range of 1 ~ 200 μg/L (r ≥ 0.9960), with detection limits ranging from 0.3 to approximately 3 μg/kg. The recovery rate ranged from 65 to 109%, with RSD from 0.01 to 10% (n = 6). The total detection rate of 16 PGRs in the samples was 87%. The risk assessment indicated that the multi-residues of PGRs in homologous materials of medicine and food would not pose a potential risk to human health. This work provides a valuable reference for the monitoring of multiple PGRs. It has also improved our understanding of the possible exposure risk of PGR residues in homologous materials of medicine and food.

Risk assessment of dietary perchlorate exposure in typical areas of fireworks manufacturing in China using a perchlorate intake model

Perchlorate can disrupt the production of thyroid hormones, impact metabolism, and even affect the cognitive development of infants and toddlers. Typical areas of fireworks manufacturing might face severe perchlorate pollution due to perchlorate is an important raw material. But related study has not been reported. We assess the risk caused by perchlorate and identify the critical exposure pathways for different age/gender groups in typical area of fireworks manufacturing. Liuyang city, a major fireworks manufacturing center in China, was selected as study region. Perchlorate concentrations were measured in 230 local food samples from Liuyang using LC/MS/MS. Risks for different age/gender groups were estimated using a perchlorate intake model. The detection rate of perchlorate in samples from all eight food groups, including vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood, egg, cereal, beans, and drinking water was 100%, and the perchlorate concentrations were higher than those reported in the United States, Canada, South Korea, Kuwait, and other regions of China. Liuyang residents are currently facing an extremely high perchlorate dietary exposure risk, with the mean Estimated Daily Intakes (EDIs) approximately 6–49 times higher than US EPA's recommended reference dose (RfD, 0.7 μg/kg bw/day), and 14–115 times higher than the tolerable daily intake (TDI, 0.3 μg/kg bw/day) established by EFSA. Breast milk and drinking water are identified as the primary exposure pathways for infants and toddlers under the age of two, contributing 44–86% and 13–41% to their total exposure, respectively. For individuals > two years, vegetable consumption (constituting 54–66% of exposures) and ingestion of drinking water (constituting 23–32% of exposures) represent the chief exposure routes. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for Liuyang City residents all exceed 2, indicating an extremely high non-carcinogenic risk associated with perchlorate. Scientific and systematic perchlorate pollution control measures should be taken by local government.

Analysis of 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP occurrence in mayonnaise: A probabilistic risk assessment of dietary exposure for Iranians

Mayonnaise is a commonly used oil-in-water emulsion food product. Due to their toxicological properties/genotoxicity and carcinogenicity, chloropropanols’ oral exposure has raised concerns over the past decade. The present study reports the occurrence level of free forms of 3-chloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP) in mayonnaise samples and the risk of oral exposure to these chemicals through consumption of the analyzed samples. Mayonnaise (low- and high-fat, from 6 brands, totally 120 samples) were analyzed for 1,3-DCP and 3-MCPD by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The mean level of chemicals was higher in the high-fat samples, with no significant difference among the brands. Generally, 1,3-DCP level was significantly lower in both high-fat and low-fat samples compared to 3-MCPD. Hazard Index (HI) values calculated for oral exposure to 3-MCPD for Iranian adults using probabilistic methods, were less than 1.0, reflecting no major risk. In the Margin of Exposure scenario, low- and high-fat mayonnaise samples were of de minimis health concern at the 50th, 80th, and 95th centiles. Nevertheless, in order to safeguard consumer interests, it is imperative to implement online real-time methodologies for monitoring reactions that result in generation of thermal process contaminants such as 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP, and to innovate novel technologies to minimize the occurrence of such chemicals while preserving both safety and sensory attributes.

Probabilistic risk assessment of dietary exposure to benzophenone derivatives in cereals in Taiwan.

Benzophenone (BP) and BP derivatives (BPDs) are widely used as ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers in food packaging materials and as photoinitiators in UV-curable inks for printing on food-contact materials. However, our knowledge regarding the sources and risks of dietary exposure to BP and BPDs in cereals remains limited, which prompted us to conduct this study. We measured the levels of BP and nine BPDs-BP-1, BP-2, BP-3, BP-8, 2-hydroxybenzophenone, 4-hydroxybenzophenone, 4-methylbenzophenone (4-MBP), methyl-2-benzoylbenzoate, and 4-benzoylbiphenyl-in three types of cereals (rice flour, oatmeal, and cornflakes; 180 samples in total). A Bayesian Markov-chain Monte Carlo (MC) simulation approach was used for deriving the posterior distributions of BP and BPD residues. This approach helped in addressing the uncertainty in probabilistic distribution for the sampled data under the detection limit. Through an MC simulation, we calculated the daily exposure levels of dietary BP and BPDs and corresponding health risks. The results revealed the ubiquitous presence of BP, BP-3, and 4-MBP in cereals. Older adults (aged>65 years) had the highest (97.5 percentile) lifetime carcinogenic risk for BP exposure through cereals (9.41 × 10-7), whereas children aged 0-3 years had the highest (97.5 percentile) hazard indices for BPD exposure through cereals (2.5 × 10-2). Nevertheless, across age groups, the lifetime carcinogenic risks of BP exposure through cereals were acceptable, and the hazard indices for BPD exposure through cereals were<1. Therefore, BPD exposure through cereals may not be a health concern for individuals in Taiwan.

Probabilistic risk assessment of dietary exposure to lead in residents of Guangzhou, China

Lead and its compounds can have cumulative harmful effects on the nervous, cardiovascular, and other systems, and especially affect the brain development of children. We collected 4918 samples from 15 food categories in 11 districts of Guangzhou, China, from 2017 to 2022, to investigate the extent of lead contamination in commercial foods and assess the health risk from dietary lead intake of the residents. Lead was measured in the samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Dietary exposure to lead was calculated based on the food consumption survey of Guangzhou residents in 2011, and the health risk of the population was evaluated using the margin of exposure (MOE) method. Lead was detected in 76.5% of the overall samples, with an average lead content of 29.4 µg kg−1. The highest lead level was found in bivalves. The mean daily dietary lead intakes were as follows: 0.44, 0.34, 0.25, and 0.28 µg kg−1 body weight (bw) day−1 for groups aged 3–6, 7–17, 18–59, and ≥ 60 years, respectively. Rice and rice products, leafy vegetables, and wheat flour and wheat products were identified as the primary sources of dietary lead exposure, accounting for 73.1%. The MOE values demonstrated the following tendency: younger age groups had lower MOEs, and 95% confidence ranges for the groups aged 3–6 and 7–17 began at 0.6 and 0.7, respectively, indicating the potential health risk of children, while those for other age groups were all above 1.0. Continued efforts are needed to reduce dietary lead exposure in Guangzhou.

Health risk assessment of dietary exposure to pesticide residues in edible tissue of tilapia fish from Lake Manzala, Egypt

Health risk assessment of dietary exposure to pesticide residues in edible tissue of tilapia fish from Lake Manzala, Egypt

Chlorinated paraffins in takeout food and its packaging in Beijing, China and dietary exposure risk

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are hazardous to humans, and dietary intake acts as the primary pathway for human exposure to CPs. Takeout food is popular worldwide, but the presence of CPs in takeout food and its packaging is unclear. In this study, the concentrations and distributions of short- and median-chain CPs (SCCPs and MCCPs, respectively) were measured in 97 samples of four categories of takeout food and 33 samples of three types of takeout packaging. The SCCP and MCCP median concentrations for the takeout food samples were 248 and 339, 77.2 and 98.2, 118 and 258, 42.9 and 64.4 ng/g wet weight in meat, starch, half meat/half starch, and vegetables, respectively. Takeout food contained higher concentrations of SCCPs than MCCPs. The dominant SCCP and MCCP congener groups in takeout food were C10Cl6–7 and C14Cl7–8, respectively. The CP concentrations in takeout food were lower than those in packaging. The SCCP and MCCP median concentrations, respectively, in packaging were 9750 and 245 ng/g in polypropylene, 2830 and 135 ng/g in paper, and 2060 and 119 ng/g in aluminum foil. The concentrations of SCCPs and MCCPs were comparable in aluminum foil, whereas the concentrations of SCCPs were higher than those of MCCPs in polypropylene and paper. Correlations between CP concentrations in the takeout food and packaging indicated that CPs in packaging were potentially an important source of CPs in the takeout food. A dietary exposure risk assessment showed the takeout food posed a low risk for human exposure to CPs; however, high-frequency consumption may pose a health risk. This study clarified the current contamination situation in takeout food in Beijing, China. The resulting data could be used to prevent human exposure to CPs through dietary intake and to facilitate the market's control over the quality of takeout food.

Dietary survey of poultry egg intake among residents in Kunming city, southwest China.

For almost all people, eggs can be a wholesome addition to the diet. However, there is insufficient applicable data to evaluate the poultry egg intake of people in the city of Kunming located in southwest China. To understand the situation of egg consumption among local residents in Kunming via a dietary survey. Residents living in three places of Kunming were chosen using a multi-stage random sampling method. The recall methods of 3-day food intake and 1-month food intake frequency were used to assess the quantity and frequency of poultry egg dietary intake of local people. Of the 1,118 respondents, 565 (50.54%) were female and 553 (49.46%) were male with age range 0.5-91 years old. Egg consumption was widespread among the survey respondents with 88.01% reporting hen egg ingestion, but the dietary intake of other poultry eggs such as duck, quail, and goose eggs were much less frequent. The medium daily intake of hen eggs was 20.00 g/d with greater amount of hen egg consumption in older age groups. However, when calculated on a body-weight basis, the median amount of hen eggs consumed daily per kilogram of body weight for all survey respondents was 0.47 g/kg/d whereas this indicator for children was 1.33 g/kg/d, becoming the greatest among all age groups. Our study obtained a better understanding of poultry egg intake among residents in Kunming city and calculated the egg intake kilogram of body weight that can be a useful reference to inform the development of more accurate dietary recommendation. These results also provide basic data for nutrition monitoring and dietary exposure risk assessment of poultry egg intake.

Cumulative risk assessment of dietary exposure of the adult population in Serbia to pesticides that have chronic effects on the thyroid gland through fresh fruits and vegetables

In contrast to the traditional approach to risk assessment, which focuses on a single chemical, cumulative exposure and risk assessment considers the consequences of exposure to multiple chemical combinations. A cumulative risk assessment of dietary exposure of adult females and adult males to pesticides with chronic effects on the thyroid was conducted by estimation of the Total Margin of Exposure (MOET). Exposure to each active substance was estimated using a second-order Monte Carlo simulation. Input values for the simulation were based on over 2300 conventionally produced fruit and vegetable samples analysed from 2021 to 2023 and consumption data collected using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and 24h recall method. MOET values, for both populations assessed, did not exceed thresholds for regulatory consideration established by risk managers. Considering that MOETs values from consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables were relatively close to the threshold value, total exposure to the pesticides could likely reach risk-associated MOET levels, through the consumption of other food products that may be contaminated.

Dietary Exposure and Health Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Black Tea Consumed in Taiwan.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds found in many foods and drinks, and there have been some concerns over these compounds due to their carcinogenic nature. This study evaluated the concentrations of PAH4 (BaP, BaA, BbF, and CHR) in different black tea infusions and drinks based on the origin of the tea. The release of PAH4 from tea leaves to tea infusions was significantly low, with the highest transfer being 25.81%. The mean concentrations of BaP and PAH4 in tea infusions were used to conduct a risk assessment for the Taiwanese population, which showed that the 19-65 age group had the highest estimated intake of PAH4 and BaP among all age groups. These results, however, also showed margin of exposure (MOE) values well above the benchmark of 10,000. This indicated that PAH exposure from black tea consumption for the Taiwanese population constitutes a low-level health concern.

Risk assessment and spatial analysis of paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) concentrations and acute dietary exposure of commercially available shellfish in coastal areas in China

Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) are produced by marine dinoflagellates and can be accumulated in filter feeding shellfish. In this study, we assessed acute dietary exposure to PSTs among residents of Chinese coastal provinces and cities, utilizing point and probabilistic estimates. Additionally, we performed global and local spatial autocorrelation analyses to evaluate PSTs contamination and dietary exposure levels in the coastal regions of China. The point estimate revealed that Hebei province exhibited the highest level of PSTs dietary exposure, measuring 39.57 μgSTXeq./kgbw. In all regions, except for Guangxi, Jiangsu, Shandong, and Shanghai, the ratio between acute dietary exposure and the acute reference dose (ARfD) exceeded 1. Probabilistic estimates indicated that P99.9 exceeded the ARfD value exclusively in Guangdong, Hainan, and Liaoning. In comparison, the point estimate was significantly higher than the P99.9 value of the probabilistic estimate. The spatial analysis results showed “low-high" aggregation of PSTs concentration and point estimate dietary exposure levels in Liaoning and Shandong, while probabilistic estimate dietary exposure level exhibited “low-high" aggregation in Guangxi. This implied the presence of regional variations in PSTs contamination and dietary exposure within the coastal regions of China, along with specific localized clustering features. Therefore, it is advisable to develop regionalized precision monitoring and dietary interventions to ensure the safety of shellfish consumption, particularly in response to the regional distribution characteristics of PSTs contamination and dietary exposure.

Total aflatoxin and ochratoxin A levels, dietary exposure and cancer risk assessment in dried fruits in Türkiye

This study aimed to measure total aflatoxin (AF) (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) and ochratoxin A (OTA) levels in dried fruit samples and to evaluate the potential dietary exposure and cancer risk to these mycotoxins in Kayseri/Türkiye. Dried fruit samples were collected between April–May 2021. A total of 11 dried grapes and apricot samples, 7 dried fig and plum samples were collected. Total aflatoxins and OTA in dried fruits were determined by ELISA method. Then, the margin of exposure (MOE) and cancer risk were calculated. Total AF was detected in dried fruit samples between 42.86%, and 100%. Between 18.18% and 57.14% of samples exceeded the European Commission (EC) limits for total AF. Moreover, OTA was detected in all samples. Between 71.43% and 100% of samples exceeded the EC limits for OTA. Cancer risk due to OTA exposure was higher than total AF and it was determined that OTA exposure could pose a risk for public health (MOE < 10,000). Although mycotoxin exposure seems to be low due to the low consumption of dried fruit in Türkiye, the risk of exposure and cancer may increase because of complying with the recommendations of the dietary guidelines. The findings provide new insights into exposure to total AF and OTA through the consumption of dried fruit.

Dietary acrylamide exposure and health risk assessment of pregnant women: A case study from Türkiye.

This study aimed to determine the acrylamide exposure of pregnant women resulting from the consumption of bread, coffee, and French fries and to evaluate it in terms of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks. Retrospective 24-h food consumption data of pregnant women (n = 487) was obtained using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Dietary acrylamide exposure was calculated according to a deterministic model, and the data were assessed by hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR). The mean daily acrylamide exposure of pregnant women aged 18-30 and ≥31 years and in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters was 31.4, 35.4, 38.7, 31.3, and 32.4 μg/day, respectively. The acrylamide exposure data were not significantly different among different age groups and pregnancy periods (p > .05). Dietary acrylamide exposure in pregnant women of different age groups and trimesters may cause significant and serious health problems in terms of carcinogenic risk. According to their level of contribution to average acrylamide exposure, the foods were ranked as follows: French fries> bread> coffee. There is a significant risk of cancer due to exposure to acrylamide from French fries and bread other than coffee. The findings suggest that pregnant women should avoid consuming French fries, bread, and coffee with high acrylamide levels for both their own health and their newborns' health.

High-throughput detection and dietary exposure risk assessment of 44 mycotoxins in Mango, Litchi, Longan, and their products in South China

Mycotoxins exposure from food can trigger serious health hazards. This study aimed to establish an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous detection of 44 mycotoxins in fruits and their products, followed by dietary exposure risk assessment. The optimized UPLC-MS/MS method exhibited a good linear relationship with correlation coefficients ≥ 0.99041. The limits of detection (LOD) and the limits of quantification (LOQ) were within the range of 0.003 ∼ 0.700 μg/kg and 0.01 ∼ 2.00 μg/kg, respectively. The three fruits and their corresponding value-added products, with a total sampling size of 42, were subjected to analysis and detected with mycotoxins. Further dietary exposure risk assessment revealed that the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) of mycotoxins were 1.213 ∼ 60.032 % and 5.573 ∼ 93.750 %, indicating a low risk for Chinese consumers. However, we still need be cautious about 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15-ADON), as it had 78.6 % occurrence among all samples. This work provides an accurate analysis strategy for 44 mycotoxins and contributes to mycotoxins supervision.