Phthalate analysis in foods for young children using LC-MS method

Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid, which are persistent organic pollutants of the environment. Phthalates are widely used as plasticizing additives in the production of polymer products for industrial, domestic, food and medical purposes. The ubiquitous presence of phthalates is confirmed by the results of studies of environmental objects, drinking water, and foodstuffs. In connection with the adverse effects of phthalates on health, it is important to control their content in foodstuffs, including baby food, as one of the main sources of phthalates. The aim of the research was to determine the phthalate content in baby food products (from 0 to 3 years) and to assess it from the hygienic point of view. Material and methods. The results of the analysis of phthalates (C1-C8) in the dehydrated baby food products (milk porridge, dairy-free porridge, adapted milk formula, milk drink) by high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) are presented. Results. The presence of 7 phthalates out of 9 analyzed in the concentration range from 0.003 to 0.199 mg/kg was established. The priority contaminants were diethyl phthalate, determined a t concentrations ranging from 0.046 to 0.199 mg/kg in 100% of samples, and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, present in 75% of samples in concentrations ranging from 0.011 to 0.115 mg/kg. Dipropyl phthalate (0.004-0.055 mg/kg) and dihexyl phthalate (0.006-0.062 mg/kg) were found in low concentrations in all samples. Dibutyl phthalate was found at the lower limit of determination - 0.005-0.007 mg/kg. The maximum phthalate content was established in milk and dairy-free porridges. Health risk assessment formed by phthalate intake from milk and dairy-free porridges, adapted milk formula and milk drink, when comparing the daily intake of individual phthalates with recommended reference doses for chronic per os intake, showed that no exceeding of permissible risk levels was found. Conclusion. The maximum phthalate contamination is set for milk porridge and dairyfree porridge. The priority pollutants in the studied samples are diethyl phthalate and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate. The danger coefficient calculated for each baby food product, as well as hazard indices for the consumption of all products together, do not exceed the permissible values, which indicates an acceptable risk to public health.