An evaluation of the maximized survey-derived daily intake (MSDI) as a practical method to estimate intake of flavouring substances

Realistic estimates of intake are essential for risk assessments of flavouring agents, since substantial over or underestimations introduce inaccuracies into such evaluations. The objectives of this study were to examine the relationship between intakes estimated using methods based on the reported volume of production [e.g., maximized survey-derived daily intake (MSDI)] versus use-level data [e.g., possible average daily intake (PADI) and modified theoretical added maximum daily intake (mTAMDI)]. The impact of volatility, self-limiting organoleptic properties and whether 10% of the population are eaters, an assumption in the MSDI calculation, on intake estimates were investigated. Analyses on 221 flavouring substances showed that intake estimates derived from MSDI correlated with values determined from detailed 14-day menu-census data, PADI, and mTAMDI. Comparisons of menu-census intake data adjusted to account for factors such as volatile losses showed that MSDI estimates are realistic and sufficiently conservative, whereas mTAMDI results in substantial overestimates of intake. Very few flavours have less than 10% eaters, and in the worst case, this assumption underestimates percent eaters by a factor of about 4. This investigation supports the use of MSDI as a conservative yet practical method to estimate intake of flavouring substances.