Investigation of PAEs in some dairy products (yogurt and kashk) using method of MSPE-GC/MS: a health risk assessment study

In this study, MSPE-GC/MS method (magnetic solid phase extraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) was applied to analyze six PAEs in yogurt and kashk samples. According to our findings, in all samples, the mean of Bis (2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) was 2.00 ± 0.87, and the mean total PAEs was 8.33 ± 2.26 µg/kg, which the mean of all phthalates was less than the existing standards (EFSA (The European Food Safety Authority) and US EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)). Also, the mean of DEHP and total PAEs in kashk samples were 2.43 ± 1.02 and 10.07 ± 1.06 µg/kg, respectively, and in yogurt samples were 1.57 ± 0.36 and 6.59 ± 1.26 µg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, the mean of total PAEs at the time of expiration date (9.09 ± 2.36 µg/kg) was higher than the production date (7.57 ± 1.92 µg/kg), and the samples with a higher volume of the container had a higher amount of total PAEs (8.88 ± 2.48 µg/kg) than the samples with a smaller volume of the container (7.78 ± 1.92 µg/kg). Various indices (CDI (chronic daily intake), THQ (target hazard quotient), and ILCR (incremental lifetime cancer risk)) were applied to estimate risks of human health. Likewise, the technique of Monte Carlo was employed for probabilistic non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessment via oral exposure in adults and children. The CDI of PAEs detected via yogurt and kashk consumption was less than the tolerable daily intake. Eventually, a probabilistic model with Monte Carlo simulation showed that the THQ and the ILCR were far less than the unacceptable risk (1 > THQ and 10^-6 > ILCR). Finally, according to the results obtained, it can be concluded the consumption of yogurt and kashk does not pose any threat to Iranian consumers (children and adults).