Beer is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide. Different materials used along its production and packaging can result in human exposure to phthalates and adipates. The aim of this study was to assess simultaneously the levels of phthalates and di-ethylhexyl adipate (DEHA) in commercial beer samples (n = 66) with a method based on DLLME and detection with GC-MS/MS, and further evaluate human exposure. Six out of seven compounds studied were found in the beers analysed, with levels ranging from 1.77 to 205.40 µg/L. The most prevalent was DEHA at 205.40 µg/L, while dimethyl phthalate (DMP) was not present in any sample. Samples with 5-6 % alcohol, packed in aluminium cans and produced in an industrial environment presented the highest level of these contaminants. Despite low-risk exposure to phthalates and adipate with beer, it is important to remember the ubiquitous nature of these compounds, which can lead to cumulative exposure.
Keywords: Beer; Contamination; DLLME; GC–MS/MS; Phthalate; Plasticizer; benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) (CID 2347); di-butyl phthalate (DBP) (CID 3026); di-ethylhexyl adipate (DEHA) (CID 7641); di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) (CID 8343); di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP) (CID 6782); diethyl phthalate (DEP) (CID 6781); dimethyl phthalate (DMP) (CID 8554); dioctyl phthalate-d4 (DNOP-d4) (CID 16212237).
© 2023 The Authors.