The threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) approach is an index developed to qualitatively assess the risk of low-level substances in the diet. This value is used for the evaluation of a substance to determine whether a comprehensive risk assessment is required.
-belirleme-testleri.jpg "Toxicological Concern Threshold (TTC) Determination Tests")
An increasing number of substances found in low and very low concentrations in food and feed can now be detected thanks to advanced analytical methods. However, little or no toxicological data are available for many such substances. In this regard, there is a growing need to assess the potential health significance of previously undetected trace substances. On the other hand, it is not always possible to generate toxicological data about each substance in the diet.
In 2019, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published guidance on the use of the toxicological concern threshold (TTC) approach in food safety assessment. This document takes into account the latest scientific developments in this field. The use of the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) approach is encouraged as a screening and prioritization tool for the safety assessment of chemicals where hazardous toxicological data are lacking and human exposure is underestimated. The important point here is that the TTC approach is not applied if substance-specific data is available and required under legal regulations.
If the chemical structure of a substance is known, its potential health risk can be assessed based on general human exposure thresholds. TTC values are established for substances with similar chemical structures and potential toxicity, based on comprehensive published toxicological data . Substances are cautiously evaluated by comparing the appropriate TTC value with reliable human exposure data. If human exposure to a substance is below the TTC value, the probability of an adverse effect is considered very low.
The TTC approach is currently used regularly by EFSA only for the evaluation of flavorings and pesticide metabolites in groundwater. However, EFSA recognizes the relevance and reliability of the TTC approach in assessing potential human health risks from low levels of exposure to a wider range of substances found in food and feed.
Our organization also provides toxicological concern threshold (TTC) determination testing services with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.
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