intake
Description:
The amount of a substance (e.g. nutrient or chemical) that is ingested by a person or animal via the diet
Context:
In food safety, intake means the amount of a substance—such as a nutrient, contaminant, or additive—that a person consumes through their diet. It helps scientists understand how much of a chemical or nutrient people are exposed to on a daily basis.
EFSA uses intake data to assess consumer exposure, compare it with safe levels (like Acceptable Daily Intakes or Tolerable Upper Intake Levels), and evaluate whether typical diets are safe. This information helps EFSA inform dietary guidelines, establish limits for contaminants and additives, and provide advice to EU regulators to protect public health.