Health risk assessment of ethyl carbamate in fruit spirits

Alcoholic beverages are multicomponent mixtures containing several carcinogenic compounds, including ethyl carbamate, which was evaluated in fruit spirits against the limit proposed by the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) and then in terms of associated health. It was above the limit in 40% of the samples and statistically higher in stone fruit spirits. The MOE values below the limit were obtained for 49% and 98% of the samples at average and chronic heavy consumption by men, while for women the limit was reached by 19% and 96% of the samples, respectively. The lifetime cancer risk (LCR) approach based on the oral slope factor indicated risk concern for 96% of the samples at average consumption, regardless of gender, while LCR based on virtually safe dose indicated 25% and 69% of the samples posing a risk to women's and men's health, respectively. Preventive measures during spirit production and legal regulation of ethyl carbamate should be considered.