From Genes to Colors: Myb1-Like Variability in Romanian Apple Varieties

Sulfites are commonly used as chemical preservatives in the food industry. The aim of this study was to estimate the dietary exposure of children to sulfites in Morocco and assesses the potential health risks associated with their consumption. Exposure was estimated by combining the maximum permitted levels (MPLs) and mean analytical levels of sulfites in four processed foods frequently consumed by children, along with consumption data obtained from a food frequency questionnaire completed by 187 school children. The results were compared with the acceptable daily intake (ADI) set for sulfites to determine the potential health risk. Using MPLs, the mean dietary exposure to sulfites was found to be 0.35 mg/kg of bw/day for the entire population, representing 50% of the ADI. In the high-intake scenario, it was 0.45 mg/kg of bw/day, which accounted for 64% of the ADI. Based on analytical levels in tested foods, the mean dietary exposure was estimated to be 0.20 mg/kg of bw/day for the entire population, corresponding to 29% of the ADI. In the high-intake scenario, it was 0.34 mg/kg of bw/day, corresponding to 49% of the ADI. Processed potato chips were identified as the major contributor to sulfite intake, exceeding the national MPL. The results showed that the dietary exposure of children to sulfites from four processed foods in Morocco is within safe limits. However, cumulative sulfite intake from different food sources should be taken into consideration.