tolerable weekly intake
The maximum intake of substances in food, such as nutrients or contaminants, that can be consumed weekly over a lifetime without risking adverse health effects
In food safety, the Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) is the maximum amount of a substance, such as a contaminant, that a person can consume each week over a lifetime without an appreciable risk to health. It is used for substances that build up in the body over time, so looking at weekly exposure is more relevant than daily intake.
EFSA sets TWIs based on toxicological studies and uses them to assess long-term dietary exposure. EFSA compares how much of a substance people are likely to consume from food with the TWI to determine whether current exposure levels are safe. This scientific advice supports EU authorities in setting maximum permitted levels in food, monitoring population exposure, and protecting consumers, especially vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.