A study has been carried out to estimate the average daily intakes of sorbates, benzoates, and esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid commonly used in Korea. The estimation of daily intakes was based on individual dietary intakes in $quot;National Health and Nutrition Survey in 1998$quot; and the the contents of preservatives from 264 samples. Estimated daily intakes(EDI) of sorbates, benzoates, esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid were 0.22, 0.015, and 0.004 mg/kg bw/day, respectively. When assuming the standard body weight of 55 kg for Korean, ratios to acceptable daily intake(ADI) of sorbates, benzoates, and esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid were 0.88, 0.30, and 0.04%, respectively.

Daily intakes of 14 preservatives were evaluated by using their maximum permitted levels(MPL) and national food disappearance data in 1998. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of each preservatives were compared with corresponding acceptable daily intakes (ADIs). EDIs of dehydroacetic acid, sodium dehydroacetate, p-hydrobenzoic acid ester, propionic acid, sodium propionate and calcium propionate were leas than 2% of ADI and judged to be safe. However, EDI of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate were 76.61 mg/person/day and it reached 5% of its ADI. EDI of benzoic acid and sodium benzoate were 85.65 mg/person/day and it reached 31% of its ADI. The highest intake of benzoic acid came from carbonated drink.