Analysis of PAHs in fats/oils using online LC-GC-MS
Fast and sensitive analysis through modern coupling technique of sample preparation and analysis
May 2023 (update). Since October 2020, Eurofins offers the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in vegetable and animal fats/oils by means of online-LC-GC-MS. The modern coupling technique integrates sample preparation and analysis for all anhydrous fats/oils in a single process step. The technique also enables the direct analysis of oils known as analytically complex, such as fish oil or algae oil.
Low limits of quantification of 0.1 µg/kg for PAH4 and 0.1-0.5 µg/kg for larger PAH scopes are achieved with reduced measurement uncertainty.
The following analytical scopes are offered:
- benzo[a]pyrene
- PAH4: benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and chrysene
- 12 of the 16 EPA-PAHs (EPA: Environmental Protection Agency)
- 16 EU-PAHs according to Regulation (EC) No 208/2005
- 25 PAHs
Occurrence of PAHs and legal provisions
PAHs develop during incomplete combustion of organic materials. Food may be contaminated during the processing (e.g. drying) or via air, soil, water and sediments. Since 2012, the sum of 4 PAHs (benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and chrysene) is used as indicator for the occurrence of PAHs in food in addition to single benzo[a]pyrene.
Maximum levels for benzo[a]pyrene and PAH4 are laid down for foodstuffs such as oils and fats, cocoa and derived products, smoked fish and meat products and bivalve molluscs, baby food, banana chips, certain food supplements and dried herbs and certain spices in Regulation (EC) 2023/915 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food. In addition, Regulation (EC) No 2065/2003 on smoke flavourings used or intended for use in or on foods sets maximum levels for benzo[a]pyrene and benz[a]anthracene in smoke flavourings.
Analysis of PAHs at Eurofins
The Eurofins Competence Centre for Organic Contaminants has longterm experience with the analysis of PAHs in all relevant food matrices. In addition to the analysis of water-free fats/oils using online LC-GC-MS, all other food and feed matrices continue to be analysed for the above-mentioned PAH spectra by online coupling of solid-phase extraction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (online-SPE-GC-MS/MS). These analyses are also available with low limits of quantification.
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Written by:
Stefanie Merkmann
Eurofins WEJ Contaminants GmbH