Phthalates in beverages - A review

Phthalates as esters of phthalic acid and aliphatic alcohol are environmental contaminants which are commonly observed due to their widespread use as plasticizers. Their chemical and physical properties allow them to migrate into the environment and also into foods and beverages easily. The objective of this paper is a summarized overview of phthalate properties, their impact on human health, their content in beverages, especially in beer, including the ways of contamination, and last but not least also legislative regulations.