Assessment of sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate preservatives in some products in Kashan, Iran with estimation of human health risk

The purpose was to assess of sodium benzoate (SB) and potassium sorbate (PS) preservatives in 103 samples of cake, toast bread, tomato paste, mayonnaise sauce, carbonated soft drink and Olovieh salad in Kashan, by spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. The chronic daily intake (CDI), target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) of SB and PS for Iranian population were calculated. The results showed that SB and PS were not detected in the tomato paste samples. SB and PS concentrations for all samples were less than regulatory limits except for PS in one cake sample (3.57%). CDI and THQ of PS for mayonnaise sauce, Olovieh salad and cake products, except toast bread, were less than the acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) and one, respectively. While HI value of PS for the selected products was more than one, indicating that the non-carcinogenic risk represent a threat to consumers. THQ and HI values of SB for mayonnaise sauce and carbonated soft drink products were more than one through consumption of these products, indicating considerable non-carcinogenic risk. Therefore, the results highlighted the importance of a more attentive monitoring of these preservatives by the public and food health authorities in Iran.