Dietary intake levels and risk assessment of phthalates in Baijiu of Sichuan residents, China

This study analyzed phthalates (PAEs) in Baijiu (Chinese liquor) from various cities in Sichuan Province, China. The overall occurrence of PAEs in Baijiu was 8.66%, with five PAEs detected: Dibutyl phthalate (DBP, 75.69%), Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP, 40.33%), Dimethyl Phthalate (DMP, 20.44%), Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP, 11.05%), and Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP, 8.29%). PAEs concentrations ranged from non-detectable (ND) to 10.30 mg kg ^-1 , with DBP showing the highest mean and P95 levels (0.44 and 1.57 mg kg ^-1 ). A risk assessment based on the relative potency factors (RPFs) method indicated that Baijiu PAEs not exceeded the safe exposure thresholds for anti androgenic risks. Additionally, considering exposure levels from other foods, the group-TDI was adjusted proportionally for Baijiu at 1.08 μg kg ^-1 bw d ^-1 . While the average exposure (0.315 μg kg ^-1 bw d ^-1 ) and P95 exposure (1.904 μg kg ^-1 bw d ^-1 ) accounting for 29.25% and 176.63% of the adjusted group-TDI, respectively. In conclusion, these findings emphasize the need for stricter regulations and continuous monitoring to mitigate the health risks associated with PAEs exposure from Baijiu.