In order to estimate the contribution of mate tea and regular coffee as a source of PAHs in the diet of the population of Campinas, SP, Brazil, different batches and brands of these products, totaling 18 samples, were analysed for PAH. The consumption data were obtained from a dietary survey (frequency recall), which took place in Campinas in 1993. PAH levels in the products were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Different PAHs were detected in all samples of coffee, at levels varying with the brands and the beverage preparation technique. The mean total PAH content in coffee was 10.12mug/kg, while mate tea showed a relatively lower level of contamination (sigma=0.70mug/kg). Considering the per capita average daily consumption estimates of 69.79g of mate tea and 86.77g of coffee, one can assume that mate tea and coffee contribute with approximately 0.05mug and 0.88mug of total PAHs, respectively, to the dietary intake of these contaminants by the studied population (n=600).
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; coffee; mate tea
