Determination and risk assessment of naturally occurring genotoxic and carcinogenic alkenylbenzenes in basil-containing sauce of pesto

摘要

Abstract A risk assessment of basil-based pesto sauces containing methyleugenol and related alkenylbenzenes was performed based on their levels detected in a series of pesto sauces available on the Dutch market. The estimated daily intake (EDI) values of alkenylbenzenes as a result of consumption of the different pesto sauces amounted to 1.2–44.3 μg/kg bw for individual alkenylbenzenes, 14.3–43.5 μg/kg bw when adding up the alkenylbenzene levels assuming equal potency, and 17.3–62.9 μg/kg bw when expressed in methyleugenol equivalents using alkenylbenzenes defined toxic equivalency factors (TEF). The margin of exposure approach (MOE), used to evaluate the potential risks, resulted in {MOE} values that were generally lower than 10000 indicating a priority for risk management when assuming daily consumption. The levels of methyleugenol detected in the pesto sauces would allow consumption of 1.1–29.8, 7.5–208, 15.1–416.5, and 32.4–892.5 g of pesto sauce on a daily basis, once a week, once every two weeks, and once a month, respectively, to achieve {MOE} values above the 10000 limit indicating low priority for risk management. It is concluded that consumption of pesto sauces would only be of concern if consumed on a daily basis over longer periods of time.