Deterministic and Probabilistic Assessment for Dietary Exposure of Naturally Occurring Formaldehyde in Fresh Foods of Plant Origin in Indonesia
Abstract
Formaldehyde is known to pose health risks, including carcinogenic effects. Its presence is often associated with the misuse of formalin. Information on formaldehyde in fresh food of plant origin (FFPO) and its effect on public health remains limited. This study assessed formaldehyde levels in FFPO commodities, estimated dietary exposure, and performed risk analysis using deterministic and probabilistic approaches. A total of 138 samples collected from supply chain nodes were analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry using chromotropic acid reagent. Results showed that formaldehyde concentrations varied across commodities, ranging from below the limit of detection to 155.00 mg/kg. National exposure as the estimated daily intake (EDI) was estimated at 0.0012 mg⸳(kg bw)–1⸳(day–1), while regional analysis across 38 provinces revealed exposure levels between 0.000640 and 0.008227 mg⸳(kg bw)–1⸳(day–1). Monte Carlo simulation yielded a mean daily exposure of 0.00249 ± 0.00523 mg/kg bw across age groups, substantially lower than the reference total daily intake (TDI) of 0.15 mg/kg bw. Non-carcinogenic risk characterization showed hazard quotient (HQ) values below 1, indicating that the exposure is unlikely to pose a significant health risk. Carcinogenic risk characterization showed cancer risk (CR) values generally within the acceptable range (10-6 to 10-4), although slightly exceeding the upper limit in certain groups. However, as the assessment is based on conservative assumptions without accounting for potential reduction, the actual risk may be lower.
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