Dietary intake of pesticides: State of Kuwait total diet study

The State of Kuwait conducted a total diet study (TDS) to determine the die tary intakes of selected pesticides. This paper reports the results of this study. A national food consumption survey was performed and core food list s for different population groups were established representing the total d iet of the Kuwaiti population. Food items (table-ready) were purchased/prep ared and analysed for their contents of organophosphate/organochlorine carb amate, benzimidazole and phenylurea pesticides according to the US FDA Pest icide Analytical Manual (PAM I). Dietary intakes of these pesticides are pr esented for 19 population groups, which range from infants to elderly adult s. The intakes of selected population groups are compared with representati ve findings from the US FDA/TDS and data published om other countries. In g eneral, the average daily intakes,were well below acceptable limits, but hi gher than those reported from developed countries.