CHEMILUMINESCENT CYTOTOXICITY TEST FOR FO OD STUFF WITH VITAMIN-K-3

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.