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Estimated daily intakes of butylated hydroxyanisole

(BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and tert-butyl
hydroquinone (TBHQ) antioxidants in Korea
a a a a a a
H.-J. Suh , M.-S. Chung , Y.-H. Cho , J.-W. Kim , D.-H. Kim , K.-W. Han & C.-J. Kim
b

a
Korea Health Industry Development Institute , 57-1 Noryangjin-Dong, Dongjak-Ku, Seoul
156-800, Korea
b
Department of Food & Nutrition , Sook Myung Women's University , 53-12, Chungpa-Dong 2
Ga, Yong San-Ku, Seoul 140-742, Korea
c
Department of Food & Nutrition, Sook Myung Women's University , 53-12, Chungpa-Dong 2
Ga , Yong San-Ku, Seoul 140-742, Korea E-mail:
Published online: 16 Feb 2007.

To cite this article: H.-J. Suh , M.-S. Chung , Y.-H. Cho , J.-W. Kim , D.-H. Kim , K.-W. Han & C.-J. Kim (2005) Estimated daily
intakes of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) antioxidants
in Korea, Food Additives & Contaminants, 22:12, 1176-1188, DOI: 10.1080/02652030500195288

To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02652030500195288

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 Food Additives and Contaminants, December 2005; 22(12): 1176–1188

Estimated daily intakes of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated

hydroxytoluene (BHT) and tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ)
antioxidants in Korea

H.-J. SUH2, M.-S. CHUNG1, Y.-H. CHO1, J.-W. KIM1, D.-H. KIM1, K.-W. HAN1, & C.-J. KIM2
1
Korea Health Industry Development Institute, 57-1 Noryangjin-Dong, Dongjak-Ku, Seoul 156-800, Korea and
2
Department of Food & Nutrition, Sook Myung Women’s University, 53-12, Chungpa-Dong 2 Ga, Yong San-Ku,
Seoul 140-742, Korea

(Received 7 February 2005; revised 21 September 2005; accepted 21 September 2005)

Downloaded by [Fudan University] at 19:19 11 May 2015

Abstract
The study was conducted to establish the estimated daily intake (EDI) of antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyanisole
(BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) in Korea. The EDIs were obtained from two
sources. One of the estimations was based on the analytical determination of BHA, BHT and TBHQ in 12 food categories
(ten food categories for TBHQ) and on individual dietary intake data obtained from the National Health and Nutrition
Survey in 1998 (n ¼ 11 525, age > 1 year). The other EDIs of BHA, BHT and TBHQ were based on the maximum permitted
levels specified in national food standards in Korea and on individual dietary intake data obtained from the National Health
and Nutrition Survey in 1998 (n ¼ 11 525, age > 1 year). To establish the EDIs based on the analytical determination and on
individual dietary intake data, 133 food samples in 12 food categories were selected from the foods considered to be
representative sources of BHA, BHT and TBHQ in the Korean diet. Selected samples were analysed by GC with FID. BHA
was not detected in any of the samples analysed. BHT and TBHQ were detected in the samples, but the levels were
significantly lower than their maximum limits. The EDIs1 of BHT, and TBHQ for average consumers were 0.0156
3, and
0.0012
3 mg kg
1 body weight bw day
1 and as a proportion of the ADI were 0.0052 and 0.0002%, respectively. For 95th
percentile consumers, the EDIs of BHT and TBHQ were 0.0080 and 0.0006 mg kg
1 bw day
1, and as a proportion of the
ADI were 2.67 and 0.09%, respectively. EDIs for BHA, BHT and TBHQ based on the maximum permitted levels and on
individual dietary intake data were 0.04, 0.04 and 0.04 mg kg
1 bw day
1, respectively. The EDIs of BHA, BHT and TBHQ
for average consumers ranged from 6.00 to 14.42% of the ADI of each antioxidant. According to these results, the EDIs of
BHA, BHT and TBHQ in Korea were significantly lower than ADI of these antioxidants established by the JECFA.

Keywords: Estimated daily intake (EDI), antioxidants, BHA, BHT, TBHQ

Introduction human, animal or plant life or health, taking into

Food additives are edible ingredients deliberately
used in food processing and production. However,
when abused or misused, they may affect and harm
human health. Due to this fact, the safety manage-
ment of food additives is very important. Article 5 of
the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary
Measure (SPS) of the World Trade Organization
stipulates as such:
members shall ensure that their sanitary or
phytosanitary measures are based on assessment,
as appropriate to the circumstances, of the risks to
account risk assessment techniques developed by
the relevant international organizations.
Each country has performed risk assessment of food
additives, taking the assessment models developed by
the Codex Committee for Food Additives and
Contaminants (CCFAC) into consideration.
CCFAC has provided the procedures and the
guidelines on daily intake assessment of food
additives and recommended each country should
follow those. When many countries set up the
standard for food additives, they established regula-
tions for securing the safety, considering factors such

Correspondence: M.-S. Chung. E-mail: chungms@khidi.or.kr

ISSN 0265–203X print/ISSN 1464–5122 online ß 2005 Taylor & Francis
DOI: 10.1080/02652030500195288
 Estimated daily intakes of BHA, BHT and TBHQ antioxidants in Korea
as daily intakes of food additives and the appropriate
use level of food additives representing technical
effects on toxicity expected from food additives,
manufacturing, processing, preparation, treatment,
packing, packaging and transporting or holding of
foods (Codex Alimentarius 1995).
To use food additives safely, the CCFAC has
drawn special attention to phenolic antioxidants such
as BHA, BHT and TBHQ. In this respect, recently
the Joint Expert Committee of Food Additives
(JECFA) assessed the intake level of BHA and
BHT among ten Member States: Australia, Brazil,
China, Finland, France, Japan, New Zealand, Spain,
the UK and the USA. The intake level of TBHQ was
assessed for six Member States (Australia, Brazil,
China, New Zealand, the UK and the USA) of
CODEX during its 51st meeting. According to the
WHO meeting report, all the national assessments of
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intake of BHA, BHT and TBHQ evaluated by the
committee, except that from Japan, were based on
the use of food additives at the maximum limits
specified in the draft General Standard for Food
Additives, maximum limits specified by the
European Union, or maximum limits specified in
national food standards (WHO 2000).
National estimates of mean intake of BHA based
on maximum limits specified in the draft General
Standard for Food Additives were submitted by only
three Member States. The estimates of mean intake
ranged from 180% of the ADI for Australia and
New Zealand (combined) to 190% of the ADI for
the USA. National estimates of mean intake for
consumers of BHA based on maximum limits
specified in national food standards or by the
European Union ranged from 1% of the ADI for
Japan to 80% of the ADI for Australia and
New Zealand (combined) and the USA. These
estimates were based either on model diets or on
individual dietary records submitted by seven
Member States (Australia and New Zealand (com-
bined), China, France, Japan, the UK and the USA).
Intake estimates for consumers with high intakes of
BHA based on maximum levels of food additives
specified in national standards ranged from 30% of
the ADI for France to 260% of the ADI for Australia
and New Zealand (combined).
National estimates of daily per capita intake of
BHT based on maximum limits specified in the draft
General Standard for Food Additives ranged from
0.70 to 0.99 mg kg
1 bw for consumers with mean
intakes and from 2.0 to 6.0 mg kg
1 bw day
1 for
consumers with high intakes.
Intake estimates of daily per capita intake of
BHT based on maximum limits specified in
national food standards ranged from 0.003 to
0.11 mg kg
1 bw based on ‘poundage’ data, from
0.052 to 0.1 mg kg
1 bw based on household
1177
economic surveys or retail sales surveys, from 0.02
to 0.09 mg kg
1 bw (except for the USA) based on
model diets (for consumers with average intakes),
and from 0.02 to 0.1 mg kg
1 bw based on individual
dietary records.
The Committee noted the following two excep-
tions. The first was that the estimates of daily per
capita intake based on a model diet and the
maximum permitted level of use of BHT in the
USA were 0.39 and 0.78 mg kg
1 bw for mean and
high levels of consumption, respectively. This result
can be explained by the high maximum permitted
level of use of BHT in the USA. The second
exception was a study from Japan, which was based
on analytical results for BHT from a market basket
survey. The estimate of daily per capita intake
(0.00085 mg kg
1 bw) was lower than all the other
intake estimates submitted.
National intake estimates of TBHQ based on
maximum limits specified in the draft General
Standard for Food Additives submitted by only five
Member States. The estimates of mean intake of
TBHQ ranged from 90% of the ADI for the USA to
180% of the ADI for Australia and New Zealand
(combined). All the best estimates of national mean
intake of TBHQ ranged from 50% of the ADI for
the USA to 100% of the ADI for China, based on
model diets or individual dietary records. Intake
estimates for consumers with high intakes of TBHQ
based on maximum limits specified in national food
standards exceed the ADI in some cases (e.g. 300%
for Australia and New Zealand (combined)).
However, the data submitted were insufficient to
estimate the number of such consumers or the
magnitude and duration of intake above the ADI
(WHO 2000).
In Korea, the National Institute of Health (NIH)
and the Korea Food and Drug Administration
(KFDA) had performed the monitoring on phenolic
antioxidants in 1985, 1991 and 1998, respectively,
and those monitoring practices were intended to
establish the experimental method. The study by
Yoon et al. (1991) was the first on daily intake
assessment using budget methods. EDIs of BHA,
BHT and TBHQ by the Budget method were
calculated based on use level of those antioxidants
and Budget factor. According to Yoon et al., daily
intakes of BHA, BHT and TBHQ in Korea were
3.588, 3.588 and 2.31 mg kg
1 bw day
1, respec-
tively, and exceeded the acceptable daily intake
(ADI). Therefore, except that by the budget
method, using other assessment methods proposed
by the JECFA, this study was conducted to evaluate
the estimated daily intakes (EDIs1) of antioxidants
such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated
hydroxytoluene (BHT) and tert-butyl hydroquinone
(TBHQ) by coupling the concentrations of these
 1178 H.-J. Suh et al.

three antioxidants in foods and individual dietary
intake data from the National Nutrition Survey in
1998, as well as the estimated daily intake (EDIs2)
of these three antioxidants based on the maximum
permitted levels of antioxidants specified in national
standards in Korea and on individual dietary
intake data.
Materials and methods
Sampling plan and determination of antioxidants
Table I shows the maximum permitted levels
(MPLs) and the range of foods of BHA, BHT and
TBHQ specified in national food standards in Korea
(KFDA 1999a). A stepwise procedure was used in
this study to select food categories for estimating the
daily intake of BHA, BHT and TBHQ. At the first
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The content of BHA, BHT and TBHQ in foods
has been monitored for the last several years in Korea
(Kim et al. 1985, 1991). According to the previous
studies, the detection rates of these antioxidants in
foods differ. It is much greater probability to detect
the antioxidants from foods showing a higher
detection rate based on previous studies than those
showing a lower detection rate. Due to this fact, the
food samples for estimated daily intake of BHA,
BHT and TBHQ were selected by a stratified
random sampling method employing detection rate
obtained from previous studies as a stratum (Kim
et al. 1985, 1991). The results of the detection rate
for the same food sample in the above two studies
have used the most recent data set. This method is
frequently used for stratified random sampling in all
surveys. It is called proportional allocation that the
size of the sample in each stratum is taken in

tier of selecting procedure of food categories, proportion to the size of the stratum (Scheaffer
12 food group shown in Table I were considered to et al. 1990).
estimate the daily intake of these antioxidants but The total sample numbers for the analysis of
both instant food and poultry among the 12 food BHA, BHT and TBHQ were determined
groups were excepted from this study because BHA according to:
and BHT had not been detected in previous studies
(Kim et al. 1985). So, ten food groups such as oil, Di
na ¼ P  100  TN ð1Þ
tallow, lard, butter, dried fishery product, salted Di
fishery product, frozen fishery product, chewing
gum, breakfast cereal and mayonnaise were where na is the sample numbers of the specific ‘a’
considered to estimate the daily intake of these food category, Di is the previous detection rate (%)
antioxidants. of antioxidants in the specific food categories and
At the second tier, 12 food categories such as TN is the total number of samples supposed to be
soybean oil, corn oil, other vegetable oil, shortening, analysed for the specific ‘a’ antioxidants.
margarine, seasoned dried fish, dried fish, salted The samples in all food categories were purchased
fishery product, frozen fishery product, chewing by stratified random sampling basis of market share
gum, mayonnaise, and breakfast cereal among information (KFDA, 1999a). The half of the samples
those ten food groups were selected and to determine in each food category were from the companies in the
which were considered to be representative sources top 25% of market shares, 30% of samples were from
of BHA, BHT and TBHQ in the Korean diet. the companies in the middle 50% of market share.
The other 20% of samples were from the companies
in the lowest 25% of market share (Table II).
Table I. Technical regulations for BHA, BHT and TBHQ
All of the sampling design employed by Yoon et al.
in Korea.
and more detailed information related sampling
Permitted design are described in Yoon et al. (2001, 2003).
Antioxidants Application level (g kg
1)
BHA  BHT Oil, tallow, lard, butter, <0.2
dried fishery product, GC analyses for the antioxidants
salted fishery product
Frozen fishery product, <1 Standards and internal standard such as benzo-
salted frozen whale meat phenone were purchased from Sigma Chemical Co.
Chewing gums <0.75 (St Louis, MO, USA) for the analysis of BHA, BHT
Breakfast cereal, instant food <0.05 and TBHQ. TBA-OH was obtained from Acros
Mayonnaise <0.14 (BHT:0.06)
Organics (Geel, Belgium). Acetonitrile, n-pentane,
Poultry <0.01
TBHQ Oil, tallow, lard, butter, <0.2 dichloromethan and ammonium hydroxide were
dried fishery product, obtained from Junsei Chemical Co. (Tokyo, Japan).
salted fishery product The extraction procedure for the determination
Frozen fishery product, <1.0 of BHA, BHT and TBHQ in this study was
salted frozen whale meat
performed by the AOAC official Method 983.15
Chewing gums <0.75
for Phenolic Antioxidants in Oil, Fats, and Butter Oil
 Estimated daily intakes of BHA, BHT and TBHQ antioxidants in Korea
Table II. Sampling design for the analysis of antioxidants based on market share information.
Food subcategory Number of samples
Soybean oil 12
Corn oil 12
Other vegetable oil 12
Shortening 12
Margarine 7 4
Seasoned dried fish 17
Dried fish 17
Salted fishery product 17
and frozen fishery
product (combined)
Chewing gum 7 4
Mayonnaise 10
Breakfast cereal 10
Total 133
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(figure 983.15, chapter 47, p. 4), and the Korean
Food Code. (AOAC 1995; Japan Pharmacy Society
1995; KFDA 1999b).
In the case of oil and fat, samples of 5 g were
weighed (in case of lard or shortening, liquefied in
bulk using 60 C water bath, and shaken to ensure
homogenecity) into separatory funnel (AOAC 1995).
Pentane (20 ml) was added in the funnel and
extracted with three 100-ml portions of saturated
acetonitrile (saturated about 300 ml acetonitrile in
separatory funnel by adding n-pentane until two
layers remain after shaking 2 min, and then removed
and discarded n-pentane upper layer) (KFDA
1999b). The acetonitrile layer was transferred to a
round-bottom flask, and evaporated to 3–4 ml, using
an evaporator with a water bath at <40 C, and
transferred to a 10-ml glass-stoppered graduated
cylinder. The flask was rinsed with small portion
non-saturated acetonitrile and rinses transferred to
the cylinder until 10 ml was collected, then the rinses
evaporated to 1 ml using evaporator with a water
bath at <40 C (AOAC 1995). In case of solid food,
samples of 5–40 g were weighed into a high-speed
blender, 100 ml pentane were added and the blender
was swirled for 2 min. The pentane layer was
transferred to round-bottom flask. The repeated
extractions were conducted twice with 100 ml
pentane each time. The pentane extractions were
evaporated to 20 ml. Pentane extractions were then
transferred into the separatory funnel, and extracted
with three 100-ml portions of saturated acetonitrile.
The next step was performed by the same methods
for oil and fat described above (KFDA 1999b).
All samples were analysed by gas chromatography
(GC-FID; Hewlett Packard, Palo, Alto, CA, USA)
using the conditions shown in Table III. Gas
chromatography was performed according to the
Korean Food Code and the Japanese Safety
1179
Number of samples Number of samples Number of samples
from the upper from the middle from the lower
25% of market share 50% of market share 25% of market share
6 4 2
6 4 2
6 4 2
6 4 2
2 1
9 5 3
9 5 3
9 5 3
2 1
5 3 2
5 3 2
69 41 23
Analytical Method ( Japan Pharmacy Society 1995;
KFDA 1999b). All samples and standards were run
in duplicate and the retention times were 5 min for
BHA, 4 min for BHT and 9 min for TBHQ. Mean
recoveries of BHA, BHT and TBHQ were in the
ranges 81.8–89.2, 92.6–94.5 and 88.7–95.4%,
respectively. In case of oil and butter recovery and
CV% for BHA were 81.8% and 6.9, respectively, and
recovery and CV% for BHT were 94.5% and 3.5,
respectively, and recovery and CV% for TBHQ were
95.4% and 3.8, respectively. In the case of solid food
recovery and CV% for BHA were 89.2% and 3.7,
respectively, and recovery and CV% for BHT were
92.6% and 5.8, respectively, and recovery and CV%
for TBHQ were 88.7% and 3.1, respectively. The
detection limits for BHA, BHT and TBHQ were 3, 3
and 5 mg kg
1, respectively.
Food consumption data
Food consumption data for the assessment of daily
intake of BHA, BHT and TBHQ were obtained from
the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey
1998 (KNHNS) (Ministry of Health and Welfare,
1999). The KNHNS was conducted based on the
National Health Promotion Act of 1995 (Ministry of
Health and Welfare, 1995) by a research institute
experienced in nationwide surveys and the unique
nationwide nutrition survey in Korea. Briefly, the
survey visited 4828 households nationwide and
was completed for 2 months from November to
December in 1998. The sample households were
selected by a stratified multistage sampling method
employing region and district as strata. Among those
4828 households and 12 023 subjects visited, 4395
households and 11 525 subjects agreed to participate.
The survey comprised different regions, age and
gender. Every 1 year and over in each sample
 1180
H.-J. Suh et al.
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Table III. Consumption data of food in which the use of BHA, BHT and TBHQ is permitted in Korea in different region and age group (1998 KNHNS) (g/person day
1).

Region and age (years): Total population Metropolitan Urban Rural 1–2 3–6 7–12 13–19 20–29 30–49 50–64 >65

Food categories Number of people 10 400 4011 2658 3731 288 721 911 1110 1419 3327 1650 974
Soybean oil 3.26 3.55 3.31 2.54 1.08 2.87 4.01 4.69 3.96 3.39 2.30 1.18
Corn oil 0.73 0.70 0.73 0.81 0.28 0.76 0.87 0.90 0.71 0.92 0.42 0.29
Other vegetable oil 0.17 0.10 0.24 0.22 0.06 0.12 0.08 0.15 0.27 0.17 0.13 0.28
Shortening 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Margarine 0.06 0.08 0.04 0.06 0.01 0.11 0.14 0.02 0.03 0.11 0.00 0.01
Seasoned dried fish 0.42 0.34 0.48 0.51 0.03 0.51 0.63 0.82 0.42 0.46 0.11 0.01
Dried fish 5.62 5.36 6.25 5.22 1.66 2.54 5.09 6.46 6.32 6.34 5.83 4.02
Salted fishery product 1.21 1.17 1.16 1.36 0.61 1.08 0.96 0.54 0.72 1.60 1.70 1.14
Frozen fishery product n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.
Chewing gum 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.05 0.27 0.19 0.04 0.05 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00
Mayonnaise 0.54 0.62 0.58 0.27 0.02 0.34 0.63 0.67 0.98 0.59 0.19 0.10
Breakfast cereal 0.73 0.97 0.68 0.24 1.32 4.45 1.87 0.65 0.41 0.25 0.00 0.14

KNHNS, Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey. n.a., Not available.
 Estimated daily intakes of BHA, BHT and TBHQ antioxidants in Korea 1181

household was included in the survey. This survey
employed 1-day 24-h recall method to monitor
individual dietary intake. Those who were unable
to be interviewed individually such as children and
the elderly were interviewed with his/her guardian’s
help. To identify the types and quantity of food
products used for cooking, the recipes for the foods
was surveyed by the interview of housewives or
guardians. Also, the intake amounts of foods and
processed foods at eat-out as well as those in-house
were surveyed through individual interviews. Food
intake of individuals was estimated using the recipes
from each interviewed household and catering
services for schools, work sites, etc.
The national survey methods and results, by
region and by age, have been described in detail
elsewhere (Ministry of Health and Welfare 1999;
Kim et al. 2003, 2004).
Downloaded by [Fudan University] at 19:19 11 May 2015
the maximum permitted level (MPLi) of BHA, BHT
and TBHQ in each food category and the mean food
intake data {F(ave)i} of total population.
EDIs1 and EDIs2 were adjusted with the standard
body weights (bwi) of the Recommended Dietary
Allowances for Koreans in 2000 (Korean Nutrition
Society 2000) for total population. This calculation
can be represented by the following expressions:
EDI1ðaveÞ i ¼ Cave FðaveÞ i
EDI1ð90thÞi ¼ Cave Fð90thÞi
EDI1ð95thÞi ¼ Cave Fð95thÞi
EDI1ðaveÞ ¼ EDI1ðaveÞ i=bwi
EDI1ð90thÞ ¼ EDI1ð90thÞ i=bwi
EDI1ð95thÞ ¼ EDI1ð95thÞ i=bwi
EDI2i ¼ MPL i , FðaveÞi

EDI2ðaveÞ ¼ EDI2ðaveÞi =bwi : ð2Þ

Assessment of the estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of
BHA, BHT and TBHQ
EDIs1 of BHA, BHT and TBHQ were calculated
based on individual food intake data and analytical
data of 12 food categories (ten food categories for
TBHQ) for average and high consumers (90th and
95th percentiles of consumers only). For average
consumers, EDIs1(ave)i for each food category were
obtained by multiplying mean concentration (Cave)
of BHA, BHT and TBHQ in each food category
and the mean food intake data {F(ave)i} of total
population. For high consumers, EDIs1(90th)i and
EDIs1(95th)i for each food category were obtained by
multiplying mean concentration (Cave) of BHA,
BHT and TBHQ in each food category and 90th
percentile intake data {F(90th)i} or 95th percentile
intake data {F(95th)i} of consumer only. The calcula-
tion method of EDIs1 of BHA, BHT and TBHQ was
similar to previous reports by Yoon et al. (2001,
2003). EDIs2 of BHA, BHT and TBHQ, EDIs2(ave)i
for each food category were calculated by multiplying
To evaluate the dietary intakes of BHA, BHT and
TBHQ, EDIs1 and EDIs2 were compared with
ADI for BHA, BHT and TBHQ, evaluated by the
JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on
Food Additives) as shown in Tables IV–VII (FAO/
IPCS 1999).
Results and discussion
Determination of antioxidants in foods
The foods for which use of antioxidants is permitted
are shown in Table I and were selected based on the
Korea Food Additive Code for the analysis of BHA,
BHT and TBHQ. Twelve food categories such as
soybean oil, corn oil, other vegetable oil, shortening,
margarine, seasoned dried fish, dried fish, salted
fishery product, frozen fishery product, chewing
gum, mayonnaise and breakfast cereal were selected
for BHA and BHT, and ten food categories
except mayonnaise, and breakfast cereal among
those 12 food categories were selected for TBHQ

Table IV. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs1) of BHT and TBHQ based on analytical data and individual dietary intake data for average and
high consumers in Korea.

Daily intake (mg/person day
1)

High consumers

Average consumers 90th percentile 95th percentile

BHT TBHQ BHT TBHQ BHT TBHQ

3
3
Chewing gum 0.7785 0.0657 0.3633 0.0307 0.3893 0.0329
Margarine 0.0774
3 – 0.0345 – 0.0523 –
Total
Daily intake 0.8559
3 0.0657
3 0.3978 0.0307 0.4416 0.0329
Daily intake (kg
1 bw)* 0.0156
3 0.0012
3 0.0072 0.0006 0.0080 0.0006
ADI (%)** 0.0052 0.0002 2.4000 0.0857 2.6667 0.0857

*mg kg
1 bw day
1. **Comparison with ADI by the JECFA.

 1182 H.-J. Suh et al.

Table V. Estimated daily intake (EDI2) of BHA based on the maximum permitted level and individual dietary intake data.

Maximum permitted Daily food intake for BHA daily intake

Food category level (mg kg
1)1 average consumers (g/person)2 (mg/person)
Soybean oil 200 3.26 0.65
Corn oil 200 0.73 0.15
Other vegetable oil 200 0.17 0.03
Shortening 200 0.00 0.00
Margarine 200 0.06 0.01
Seasoned dried fish 200 0.42 0.08
Dried fish 200 5.62 1.12
Salted fishery product 200 1.21 0.24
Frozen fishery product 1000 n.a. –
Chewing gum 750 0.04 0.03
Mayonnaise 140 0.54 0.08
Breakfast cereal 50 0.73 0.04
Total
Daily intake 2.43
Daily intake (kg
1 bw) 0.04
ADI (mg kg
1 bw)3 0.5
ADI (%) 8.84
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1
Source: KFDA (1999a). 2Based on the ’98 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999. 3Based on the
JECFA. n.a., Not available.

Table VI. Estimated daily intake (EDI2) of BHT based on the maximum permitted level and individual dietary intake data.

Maximum permitted level Daily food intake for average BHT daily intake
Food category (mg kg
1)1 consumers (g/person)2 (mg/person)
Soybean oil 200 3.26 0.65
Corn oil 200 0.73 0.15
Other vegetable oil 200 0.17 0.03
Shortening 200 0.00 0.00
Margarine 200 0.06 0.01
Seasoned dried fish 200 0.42 0.08
Dried fish 200 5.62 1.12
Salted fishery product 200 1.21 0.24
Frozen fishery product 1000 n.a. –
Chewing gum 750 0.04 0.03
Mayonnaise 60 0.54 0.03
Breakfast cereal 50 0.73 0.04
Total
Daily intake 2.38
Daily intake (kg
1 bw) 0.04
ADI (mg kg
1 bw)3 0.3
ADI (%) 14.42
1
Source: KFDA (1999a). 2Based on the ’98 Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey, 1999. 3Based on the JECFA. n.a.,
Not available.

(Table II). The total sample numbers for the analysis
of BHA, BHT and TBHQ were calculated by
Equation 1 takes into consideration as listed in
Table II. The Korea National Health and Nutrition
Survey results of selected 12 food categories was
showed in Table III.
Estimated daily intake based on analytical data and
individual dietary intake data (EDI1) of BHA, BHT
and TBHQ
The 133 food samples among 12 food categories
were analysed for BHA, and BHT. A total 109 food
samples among ten food categories were analysed for
TBHQ. BHA was not detected in any of those
samples. However, BHT was detected in margarine,
and chewing gum among the 12 food categories.
In margarine, BHT was detected from only one
sample among seven samples. The detected BHT
level was 9.05 mg kg
1 BHT in chewing gum,
detected in three samples among the seven samples,
and the concentration of BHT ranged from not
detected (n.d.) to 150.88 mg kg
1. Therefore, the
detection rate of BHT in margarine, and chewing
gum were 14.29, and 42.86%, respectively. The
mean concentration of BHT in margarine, and
 Estimated daily intakes of BHA, BHT and TBHQ antioxidants in Korea
Table VII. Estimated daily intake (EDI2) of TBHQ based on the maximum permitted level and individual dietary
intake data.
Maximum permitted level
Food category (mg kg
1)1
Soybean oil 200
Corn oil 200
Other vegetable oil 200
Shortening 200
Margarine 200
Seasoned dried fish 200
Dried fish 200
Salted fishery Product 200
Frozen fishery product 1000
Chewing gum 750
Total
Daily intake
Daily intake (kg
1 bw)
ADI (mg kg
1 bw)3
ADI (%)
1
Source: KFDA (1999a). 2Based on the ’98 Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey, 1999. 3Based on the JECFA.
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n.a., Not available.
chewing gum were 1.29 and 25.95 mg kg
1, respec-
tively. TBHQ was detected only in chewing gum
and not detected in the other nine food categories.
The concentration of TBHQ in the chewing gum
presented 15.35 mg kg
1 level in one sample among
seven samples, and the mean concentration was
2.19 mg kg
1. On the other hand, in Japan, the
detection rate of BHA in instant noodles, animal fat,
bread, biscuit among processed foods sold in 1983
was 12.0% and the rate of BHT in bread, biscuit and
margarine was 10.4%. In 1995, the detection rate
of BHA was 12% in chewing gum, dried fishery
products and salted fishery products. The rate of
BHT was 2.3% in oils, dried fillet fishes and chewing
gum (Yoshio 1983, 1995).
However, in comparison with Japanese study
results, BHA, BHT and TBHQ have been hardly
detected in foods for which use is permitted in
Korea, according to the results obtained from
previous studies as well as this study (Kim et al.
1985, 1991). The reason might be that phenolic
antioxidants such as BHA, BHT and TBHQ carry
toxicity and present a serious health hazard to
humans, has been believed in Korea so BHA, BHT
and TBHQ have been little used in foods.
The toxicity of phenolic antioxidants has been
studied by many researchers. BHA has demonstrated
hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis in the forestomachs of
a variety of test animal species, but although benign
tumors were reported in the hamster forestomach, no
carcinomas were induced in species other than rats.
BHT has been reported as showing evidence that it
may act as a promoting agent for some types of
chemical carcinogenesis in test animals. But in both
antioxidants, the relevance of these effects to humans
is unclear (Sherwin 1990). The toxicity of TBHQ
has been extensively studied, including toxicokinetic
1183
Daily food intake for average TBHQ daily intake
consumers (g/person)2 (mg/person)
3.26 0.65
0.73 0.15
0.17 0.03
0.00 0.00
0.06 0.01
0.42 0.08
5.62 1.12
1.21 0.24
n.a. –
0.04 0.03
2.31
0.04
0.7
6.00
aspects, acute, short- and long-term toxicity,
carcinogenicity, and reproductive toxicity (EFSA
2004). In some studies, TBHQ was clastogenic in
vitro and in vivo (Baunwart et al. 2001). But based on
the data reviewed the Scientific Committee on Food
(SCF) concluded that TBHQ is not carcinogenic
and that further genotoxicity studies are unnecessary
(EFSA 2004). Daily intakes of BHT and TBHQ
based on analytical data and individual dietary data
(EDI1) are shown in Table IV. For average
consumers, daily intakes of BHT and TBHQ were
0.86
3 and 0.07
3 mg/person day
1, respectively.
The foods that contribute to the intakes of BHT
and TBHQ were chewing gum and margarine. In
comparison with the ADI set by the JECFA, these
result were below 0.0052 and 0.0002%, respectively.
For 95th percentile consumers, daily intakes of
BHT, and TBHQ as a portion of the ADI were
2.67 and 0.09%, respectively. These results showed
that daily intakes (EDIs1) of BHA, BHT and TBHQ
based on analytical data and individual dietary data
even among high consumers (95th percentile) in
Korea were remarkably below ADI as established by
the JECFA.
Estimated daily intake based on the maximum permitted
level and individual dietary intake data (EDI2 ) of BHA,
BHT and TBHQ
Estimated daily intakes (EDIs2) of BHA, BHT and
TBHQ based on the maximum permitted level and
individual dietary intake data are shown in Tables V–
VII. The EDIs2 of BHA, BHT and TBHQ were
2.43, 2.38 and 2.31 mg/person day
1, respectively.
In comparison with the ADIs set by the JECFA,
these results were 8.84, 14.42 and 6.00%, respec-
tively. Overall, EDIs2 of BHA, BHT and TBHQ
 1184
H.-J. Suh et al.
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Table VIII. Estimated daily intake of BHA in several countries.

Australia and
Korea1 Korea2 China3 Spain4 France5 Spain6 Japan7 New Zealand8 USA9 Brazil9

EDI ADI EDI ADI EDI ADI EDI ADI EDI ADI EDI ADI EDI ADI EDI ADI EDI ADI EDI ADI
Country (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%)
Average 0.00 0.00 0.04 8.84 0.005 1 0.48 96 0.02 4 0.25 50 0.003 0.6 0.39 78 0.4 80 0.09, 0.15 18, 30
consumption
1
Based on individual dietary data and analytical data (present study). 2Based on individual dietary data and the maximum permitted level specified in national food standards (present study). 3Based on
poundage data (WHO 2000). 4Based on poundage data (WHO 2000). 5Based on household economic survey or retail sales surveys (WHO 2000). 6Based on household economic survey or retail sales
surveys (WHO 2000). 7Based on individual dietary records and analytical data by market basket survey (WHO 2000). 8Based on individual dietary records and maximum levels specified in national
food standards (WHO 2000). 9Based on model diet and national maximum limits (WHO 2000). 10Based on survey on household budgets (IBGE) and market survey (Datamark) and the maximum
permitted level (Baunwart et al. 2001).
Downloaded by [Fudan University] at 19:19 11 May 2015

Estimated daily intakes of BHA, BHT and TBHQ antioxidants in Korea

Table IX. Estimated daily intake of BHT in several countries.

Korea1 Korea2 USA3 Japan4 Brazil5

EDI ADI EDI ADI EDI ADI EDI ADI EDI ADI
Country (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%)
Average consumption 0.0156
3 0.0052 0.04 14.42 0.39 130 0.00085 0.028 0.05, 0.1 16.67, 33.3
1
Based on individual dietary data and analytical data (present study). Based on individual dietary data and the maximum permitted level specified in national food standards (present study). 3Based on
2

model diet and national maximum limits (WHO 2000). 4Based on individual dietary records and analytical data by market basket survey (WHO 2000). 5Based on survey on household budgets (IBGE)
and market survey (Datamark) and the maximum permitted level (Baunwart et al. 2001).

1185
 1186
H.-J. Suh et al.
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Table X. Estimated daily intake of TBHQ in several countries.

Korea1 Korea2 China3 China4 USA5 USA6 Brazil7

EDI ADI EDI ADI EDI ADI EDI ADI EDI ADI EDI ADI EDI ADI
Country (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%) (mg kg
1 bw) (%)
Average consumption 0.0012
3 0.0002 0.04 6.0 0.004 0.6 0.69 100 0.14 20 0.37 50 0.07, 0.12 10, 17
1 2 3
Based on individual dietary data and analytical data (present study). Based on individual dietary data and the maximum permitted level specified in national food standards (present study). Based on
poundage data (WHO 2000). 4Based on individual dietary records (WHO 2000). 5Based on poundage data (WHO 2000). 6Based on model diet (WHO 2000). 7Based on survey on household budgets
(IBGE) and market survey (Datamark) and the maximum permitted level (Baunwart et al. 2001).
 Estimated daily intakes of BHA, BHT and TBHQ antioxidants in Korea
based on the maximum permitted level and indivi-
dual dietary intake data as well as EDIs1 of BHA,
BHT and TBHQ based on analytical data and
individual dietary data were relatively lower than
ADI set by the JECFA.
In addition, EDIs of BHA, BHT and TBHQ
according to this paper were significantly lower than
the theoretical maximum daily intakes (TMDI) by
the Budget method (Yoon et al. 1991). Because the
Budget method is used for risk assessment to
minimize the cost and tends to overestimate the
daily intakes of food additives.
Comparison with other countries
In comparison with other countries, estimated daily
intakes (EDIs1) of BHA, BHT and TBHQ based on
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analytical data and individual dietary intake data for
average consumers in Korea were remarkably lower
than EDIs of other countries (Tables VIII–X).
Although there was a variation in the measuring
methodology, the intake levels of BHA, BHT and
TBHQ among ten member countries (six member
countries for TBHQ) of CODEX were 0.003–0.48,
0.00085–0.39 and 0.004–0.69 mg kg
1 bw, respec-
tively, based on the WHO (2000) report. Among
those countries, Japan has the lowest intake levels on
the BHA and BHT. In the present study, however,
the EDIs1 of BHA, and BHT based on analytical
data and individual dietary intake data in Korea
were 0 and 0.0156
3 mg kg
1 bw, which were even
lower than those of average consumers in Japan. The
EDIs1 of TBHQ based on analytical data and
individual dietary intake data in Korea was
0.0012
3 mg kg
1 bw, which also was the lowest
level among other countries. It is evidence that
Korean food manufacturers do not use these anti-
oxidants excessively. The low estimates of intake for
Korea and Japan were due to the estimated daily
intake based on analytical data. The EDIs of all the
other Member States based on the maximum per-
mitted levels of food additives derived from national
standards. However, in comparison with other
countries which applied similar methodology, espe-
cially Australia and New Zealand, USA, and Brazil,
the EDIs2 of BHA, BHT and TBHQ based on the
maximum permitted levels in Korea also were lower
than those of other countries reported (WHO 2000).
These results could be explained by the fact that food
consumption of the selected food categories in Korea
are lower than those of other countries.
Conclusions
In conclusion, BHA was not detected in any sample.
BHT was detected only from chewing gum and
1187
margarine; and TBHQ was detected only from
chewing gum. The EDIs1 of BHA, BHT and
TBHQ based on analytical data and individual
dietary intake data even among high consumers
(95th percentile) in Korea were below the ADI
as established by the JECFA. The EDIs2 of BHA,
BHT and TBHQ based on the maximum permitted
level and individual dietary intake data were remark-
ably below the ADI by the JECFA. The reasons
might be that Korean food manufacturers do not use
the antioxidants excessively, and food consump-
tion of the selected food categories in Korea is
relatively low.
In our study, the current pattern of use of
antioxidants by the food industry was not consid-
ered. Further research considering the launch of
new products and the use of different formulations
by the industry based on refined dietary intake
data are needed to obtain habitual intakes of
phenolic antioxidants for future risk assessment in
Korea.
Acknowledgements
The paper was the part of the project Daily Intake
Estimate for Food Additives in Korea, which was
supported by the Health Technology Planning and
Evaluation Board, Ministry of Health and Welfare
in Korea.
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