Estimate of the maximal daily dietary intake of butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene in The Netherlands.

The daily dietary intake of the phenolic antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and/or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) was estimated using data obtained from a nationwide dietary record survey carried out in The Netherlands in 1987/1988. The estimates were based on the fat content of selected food categories and their respective maximum permitted levels of BHA and/or BHT. The results indicate that it is unlikely that the current acceptable daily intake for BHA (0–0.5 mg/kg body weight) is surpassed, even in individuals with an extremely high caloric intake, except in extreme cases in 1–6-year-olds. However, it cannot be excluded that the acceptable daily intake for BHT (FAO/WHO: 0–0.125 mg/kg; EEC: 0–0.05 mg/kg) is exceeded in all age and sex groups, but particularly in children aged 1–6 years.