Bisphenol A migration and associated health risk in polyethylene terephthalate-bottled yogurt drinks (Doogh) under...

This study investigated the migration of bisphenol A (BPA) from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles into Iranian yogurt drink (Doogh), under different storage conditions and assessed the associated health risks. Three doogh brands were analyzed under different temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C, 45 °C), storage time (7-60 days), and light conditions (direct sunlight vs. shade), with BPA concentrations measured using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV). Results showed that higher temperatures (e.g., 0.139-0.160 mg/L at 4 °C vs. 0.269-0.318 mg/L at 45 °C), longer storage (e.g., 0.107-0.115 mg/L at 7 days vs. 0.217-0.238 mg/L at 60 days), and direct sunlight exposure (e.g., 0.174-0.194 mg/L in shade vs. 0.304-0.340 mg/L in sunlight) significantly increased BPA migration (p < 0.0001). While BPA concentrations varied significantly between brands, probably due to differences in packaging materials, Doogh formulations, or production processes, the trend of impact from storage conditions was consistent. Despite the observed increases in BPA under adverse storage conditions, the hazard quotient (HQ) for both children and adults remained < 1 (threshold limit) in all tested scenarios. However, unfavorable storage conditions (high temperature, prolonged storage, sunlight) resulted in an increase in HQ compared to optimal storage (cool, short-term, shaded). Despite the current low risk, the study emphasizes the importance of proper storage of products, including refrigeration, minimisation of duration and avoidance of sunlight. It also recommends safer packaging options and educating consumers about optimal storage practices to reduce BPA exposure.