Estimates of the theoretical maximum daily intake of phenolic antioxidants BHA, BHT and TBHQ in Brazil

The theoretical maxim um daily intakes (TMDI) of the phenolic antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) in Brazil were estimated using food consumption data derived from a household economic survey and a packaged goods market survey. The estimates were based on maximum levels of use of the food additives specified in national food standards. The calculated intakes of the three additives for the mean consumer were below the ADIs. Estimates of TMDI for BHA, BHT and TBHQ ranged from 0.09 to 0.15, 0.05 to 0.10 and 0.07 to 0.12 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. To check if the additives are actually used at their maximum authorized levels, analytic al determinations of these compounds in selected food categories were carried out using HPLC with UV detection. BHT and TBHQ concentrations in foodstuffs considered to be representive sources of these antioxidants in the diet were below the respective maximum permitted levels. BHA was not detected in any of the analysed samples. Based on the maximal approach and on the analytical data, it is unlikely that the current ADI of BHA (0.5 mg/kg body weight), BHT (0.3 mg/kg body weight) and TBHQ (0.7 mg/kg body weight) will be exceeded in practice by the average Brazilian consumer.