Foods Contain Elevated Amounts of PAK, Reveals Study by Researchers
In a groundbreaking development, a research team from the Department of Food Science and Biotechnology at Seoul National University of Science and Technology has validated a novel technique for the extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in food. This method, known as QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Chemicical-Free, Solvent-Rinsing Extraction), has shown remarkable potential in food inspection, particularly in the industry as part of safety management.
The QuEChERS-based method, published online on June 5, 2025, and in the August 2025 issue of Food Science and Biotechnology, Volume 34, Issue 12, shortens extraction time, improves accuracy and recovery rates, and simplifies sample preparation. The study aimed to determine eight specific PAHs in food, a concern due to their known carcinogenic properties and potential risks to human health.
PAHs can be found in food due to contamination and certain cooking methods. Their presence in highly nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables is a cause for concern, as people prioritise health and well-being, with daily exercises and calorie-counting apps becoming common. The QuEChERS method, therefore, is expected to lead to cost savings and improved safety for workers in the industry.
The researchers extracted PAHs using acetonitrile and performed cleanup using various methods and different combinations of sorbents. The results revealed recovery rates for PAHs using the QuEChERS method range from 86.3% to 109.6% at 5 μg/kg, 87.7% to 100.1% at 10 μg/kg, and 89.6% to 102.9% at 20 μg/kg. Precision values for PAHs analysis using the QuEChERS method range from 0.4% to 6.9%.
Quantification limits for PAHs analysis using the QuEChERS method range from 0.019 to 0.133 μg/kg. The detection limits for PAHs analysis using the QuEChERS method range from 0.006 to 0.035 μg/kg. The QuEChERS method demonstrates high efficiency in PAHs detection compared to conventional methods.
Moreover, the developed PAK analysis method based on the QuEChERS approach is environmentally friendly, fast, and accurate. The QuEChERS method can be applied to a wide range of food matrices, making it a versatile tool for food safety inspection. This method is expected to revolutionise the analytical process for PAHs analysis, leading to improved safety and cost-effectiveness in the food industry.
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