Bisphenol A and phthalate esters contamination in commercially available milk and dairy products in Türkiye: Packaging influence and health assessment

Abstract

In this research, the levels of bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalate esters (PAEs) were determined in 54 distinct dairy products sold in Türkiye, which included ayran, yogurt, fruit yogurt, kefir, protein milk, children's milk, and milk. The study also evaluated the non-carcinogenic health risks associated with these products, focusing on the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI). The average concentrations of BPA, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-octyl-phthalate (DNOP), and bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (BEHTP) in the analyzed dairy products were recorded as 1.18 ± 2.38, 0.36 ± 0.52, 0.05 ± 0.16, 1.13 ± 3.21, 0.01 ± 0.00, 1.37 ± 3.79, and 3.48 ± 11.00 µg/L, respectively. Tetra Pak samples showed lower average levels of BPA and PAEs than those in polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS) packaging. The average exposure levels of BPA and ∑6PAEs in the examined milk and dairy products were found to be 0.23 ± 0.47 and 0.46 ± 1.31 µg/day, respectively. The calculated THQ and HI values for each compound, food group, and packaging type are significantly lower than the reference value of 1. However, it is noteworthy that a total of 29 samples (Samples 2–4, 7, 10, 11, 17–23, 26–31, 34, 35, 38–44, and 48) resulted in estimated intakes that exceeded the tolerable daily intake (TDI).