Determination of Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in Foods: Safe Food

What are Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)?

PAHs: Compounds formed during the combustion of fuels and organic materials. At high temperatures, these substances are emitted into the air and the environment as a result of combustion reactions.
Sources: High-temperature cooking (barbecues, barbecues), cigarette smoke, charcoal cooking and industrial processes are common sources of PAHs.
Health Risk: PAHs are known carcinogens and pose serious health risks to humans.

PAHs are formed by the combustion of anthropogenic organic matter that can persist for long periods in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. PAHs are important environmental pollutants that can enter air, water, soil and food, posing a major threat to human health. Cooking ovens, coal and wood stoves, cigarette smoke, factories, petroleum and petroleum products, motor vehicles are the main sources of PAH formation. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are hazardous to human health due to their toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. People are at high risk of lung, bladder, stomach, prostate and pancreatic cancer if exposed to PAH compounds.

Which Foods are analyzed for PAHs?

PAH determination is usually performed on the following food products:

Grilled or Barbecue Products: PAH contamination is more common in foods cooked at high temperatures, such as barbecue meats and barbecue meatballs.
Processed Meat Products: PAHs are determined in meat products processed at high temperatures such as sausages and ham.
Fish and Seafood: Barbecued or smoked fish and seafood may contain PAHs.
Oils and Fatty Foods: PAHs can be found in foods with high fat and oil content.
Spices and Smoked Foods: PAHs are analyzed in smoked spices, cured meats and fish.

Benzo(a)pyrene was the first polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon to be identified as carcinogenic and causes three different toxicities. The most frequently encountered PAHs, determined on the basis of their toxicity:

benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene
benzo(b)fluoranthene
krisen

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) Determination in Foods. We also provide services in Dioxin Analysis.

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