Exposure assessment of caffeine in children's snacks in Korea

Abstract

This study was conducted to develop an appropriate management strategy for the safe consumption of children's snacks. In this study, a caffeine content analysis was performed on children's snacks which were distributed at stores located near to schools. A total of 213 samples (63 chocolates, 40 ice cakes, 19 canned instant coffees, and 91 beverages) were analyzed for caffeine content. The caffeine content of chocolates, ice cakes, canned instant coffees, and beverages was 94.30, 35.03, 391.78, and 68.32 mg/kg, respectively. The results of the exposure assessment for caffeine were expressed as estimated daily intake (EDI) compared to the acceptable daily intake (ADI). The EDI/ADI ratio of the high risk group (95(th) percentile) for caffeine intake was 7.63-27.13 %. The results of this study indicate that the EDI of caffeine from snacks sold at stores located near to schools is much lower than the ADI in general. Consequently, children's snacks are thought to be safe for consumption.