Risk assessment of acrylamide and 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (5-HMF) exposure from bread consumption: Turkey

Bread is a food of global importance for nutrition. Therefore, contaminants from the heat treatment of bread may be considered a potential health issue. In this study, 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (5-HMF) and acrylamide levels were determined using HPLC and GC/MS, respectively, in 26 bread types (n = 52) widely consumed in Turkey. Then, the exposure of individuals with different demographic characteristics to 5-HMF and acrylamide was calculated, and risk assessments were performed. The 5-HMF and acrylamide levels in the samples ranged from 3.50 to 120 mg/kg and from 60.7 to 130 mu g/kg, respectively. The highest levels of 5-HMF and acrylamide were measured in the white and semi-industrial/traditional bread groups. Statistically significant differences were found between bread groups (p < 0.05). The exposure levels of 5-HMF and acrylamide in males and females between the ages of 15-18 were higher than in other age groups. The target hazard quotient (non-carcinogenic) values calculated for acrylamide exposure showed no health problem, while the carcinogenic risk values indicated potential and high levels of risk. The exposure to 5-HMF was relatively high. The results can serve as a guide for reducing exposure to 5-HMF and acrylamide through bread consumption.