The cytotoxicity of foods was determined on the base of the rate of vi
tamin K-3-catalyzed H2O2 production by mammalian cells. Vitamin K-3-ca
talyzed H2O2 production and the chemiluminescent assay of H2O2 require
10 min and 5 s, respectively. This cytotoxicity test was useful for t
he rapid detection of weak cytotoxic antioxidants such as BHA and BHT,
and the preservatives such as esters of p-hydroxybenzoate. These cyto
toxic effects were observed a few hours after the incubation with NIH/
3 T 3 cells. The cytotoxic effects of alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic
drinks and liquid foods were also observed 24 h alter the addition of
drinks or foods to NIH/3 T 3 cells.