Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin resulting from poor storage conditions while glyphosate is an herbicide used in agricultural production. Exposure to foods contaminated with these substances may result in unfavorable health problems.This study, therefore, aimed to esti
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Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin resulting from poor storage conditions while glyphosate is an herbicide used in agricultural production. Exposure to foods contaminated with these substances may result in unfavorable health problems.This study, therefore, aimed to estimate the exposure and characterize the risk of the Philippine general population, children, and women of childbearing age (WCBA) to OTA and glyphosate using the Theoretical Maximum Daily Intake (TMDI) approach based on WHO guidelines.The dietary exposure was estimated using individual food consumption data from the National Nutrition Survey 2008 combined with maximum levels set by relevant authorities. The risk was characterized by evaluating the exposure estimates against the set acceptable daily intake (ADI) for glyphosate, and permissible tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) for OTA.Results revealed that the population groups had low exposure to glyphosate at 16 to 59% of its ADI. Cereal grains and flour (98%) were found to be the major contributor to dietary intake. However, consumers among children and WCBA were highly exposed to OTA at 163 and 314% PTWI, respectively. Bread and rolls (57%) and maize (31%) were the major contributors of OTA among children and WCBA, respectively.Based on the findings, it is recommended to conduct a refined exposure assessment by analyzing actual OTA values of the identified food contributors to validate the results of this study.
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