Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2009;47:2236-2245
Abstract: This paper builds on the existing TTC literature and recommends refinements that address two key areas: the inclusion of genotoxicity and duration of exposure. Due to ever-improving analytical capabilities, very low levels of unexpected chemicals can now be detected in foods. Although these may be toxicologically insignificant, such incidents often garner significant attention. The threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) methodology provides a scientifically defensible, transparent approach for putting low-levels exposures in the context of potential risk, as a tool to facilitate prioritization of responses, including potential mitigation. The TTC method supports the establishment of tiered, health-protective exposure limits for chemicals lacking a full toxicity database, based on evaluation of the known toxicity of chemicals which share similar structural characteristics. The approach supports the view that prudent actions towards public health protection are based on evaluation of safety as opposed to detection chemistry. Recommendations are made to refine the approach for less-than-lifetime exposures.
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This work was supported by the IAFNS Committee on Food and Chemical Safety.