Techniques for determining phthalates in food products aimed for infants' nutrition: an overview

Phthalates (esters of phthalic acid) are widely used as plasticizers in polymer materials production and it has resulted in substantial contamination with phthalates as they occur in environmental objects, food products, drinking waters, and human biological media. Toxic effects produced by phthalates lead to functional disorders in the endocrine system and synthesis of insulin, phthalates have reproductive toxicity, they cause allergenic reactions and bronchial asthma in children as well as some other diseases. Food products are a primary source of influences exerted by phthalates on population health, first of all, children. To assess risks related to adverse effects by phthalates on children, it is necessary to obtain data on concentrations of these substances in food products aimed for children nutrition. In order to work out a highly sensitive and selective technique for determining phthalates in children nutrition, the authors performed an overview of scientific and technical literature that focused on techniques for determining phthalates in products for infant nutrition (milk mixtures, milk cereals, and canned meat)...