Phthalates in beverages - A review

Tomáš Horák; Jana Olšovská

doi:10.18832/kp2019.66.264

Authors

Tomáš Horák Research Institute of Brewing and Malting, Plc., Lípová 15, 120 44 Prague, Czech Republic
Jana Olšovská Research Institute of Brewing and Malting, Plc., Lípová 15, 120 44 Prague, Czech Republic

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18832/kp2019.66.264

Keywords:

Phthalates, Dibutyl phthalate, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phtalate, Beverages, Beer

Abstract

Phthalates as esters of phthalic acid and aliphatic alcohol are environmental contaminants which are commonly observed due to their widespread use as plasticizers. Their chemical and physical properties allow them to migrate into the environment and also into foods and beverages easily. The objective of this paper is a summarized overview of phthalate properties, their impact on human health, their content in beverages, especially in beer, including the ways of contamination, and last but not least also legislative regulations.

Author Biography

Tomáš Horák, Research Institute of Brewing and Malting, Plc., Lípová 15, 120 44 Prague, Czech Republic

Phthalates as esters of phthalic acid and aliphatic alcohol are widely environmental contaminants due to their widespread use as plasticizers. Their chemical and physical properties allow them to easily migrate into the environment and also into foods and beverages. The objective of this paper is a summarized overview of phthalates’ properties, their impact on human health, their content in beverages, especially in beer, including the ways of contamination, and last but not least also legislative regulations.