Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Iranian Bottled Beverages: A Health Risk Assessment Publisher



Soleimani H ; Omer A K ; Kiani A ; Massahi T ; Habibollahi M H ; Fattahi N ; Sharafi K
Source: Journal of Food Science and Technology Published:2026

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), are pervasive pollutants that can interfere with hormonal functions and pose health risks through food and water consumption. This study analyzed BPA and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) levels in beverages and edible oils packaged in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and evaluated their potential health risks using the Hazard Quotient (HQ) model. A total of 100 PET-packaged samples, including bottled water, milk, soft drinks, yogurt drinks (Doogh), non-alcoholic beer (Delster), and edible oil, were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A custom questionnaire was used to gather data on beverage consumption, duration, and consumer weight. The study demonstrated that milk had the lowest DEHP levels (899.9 ± 238.6 ng/L) and bottled water had the highest (2472.5 ± 557.3 ng/L). The average BPA contents were the lowest (161.9 ± 19.7 ng/L) in edible oil and the highest (345.9 ± 46.6 ng/L) in bottled water. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks of these compounds were below acceptable limits (HQ = 1) for all samples across all age groups and genders. However, continued monitoring is essential because environmental factors such as sunlight and prolonged storage can affect DEHP and BPA levels. © Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India) 2026.