Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemicals composed of carbon and hydrogen, characterised by the presence of two or more interconnected benzene rings. These compounds are environmental contaminants formed during the combustion of organic materials, such as coal, wood, petroleum derivatives and organic waste. Dietary contamination by PAHs can be of origin:
- Environmental: caused by the deposition of particles in the air or absorption through contaminated soil and water.
- Technological: PAHs are formed during cooking processes at high temperatures, such as grilling, baking, smoking, drying and frying.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are absorbed by the human body mainly through the consumption of food. Cereals, which are widely consumed, are the main source of PAHs, but the foods most susceptible to contamination are those rich in fat, as they have a strong affinity for lipophilic substances. The presence of PAH in extra virgin olive oil is mainly related to environmental pollution in the production areas. Moreover, the amount of PAH can vary depending on the variety of olives, their degree of ripeness and the area of origin.
Concentration limits in food
In view of the carcinogenicity potentially associated with the presence of these contaminants, the European Union has set specific limits for the presence of PAH in certain foods. For example, Regulation (EU) No. 835/2011, recently updated by Regulation (EU) 2023/915, sets maximum limits for the concentration of benzo[a]pyrene and total PAH in certain foods, such as oils and fats, meat and meat products, fish and fish products, and certain cereals.
During 2024, 11 reports were collected by the RASFF for the presence of PAH above the legal limits in various foods.
Our new PT
Test Veritas has always been at the side of all those laboratories that are interested in evaluating their analytical performance also for matrix-analyte combinations that are difficult to find on the market, offering tailor-made and niche PTs.
We are happy to announce that our R&D department has succeeded in developing a new proficiency test for 2025 that will become part of the Progetto Trieste line – Processing Contaminants:
PT for Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in olive oil
(code O5609) – Round of June 2025
- Shipping date: June 16th 2025
- Deadline for online orders: May 2nd 2025
- Quantity: 30ml x 1 Test Material, confirmatory method
- Wide list of molecules under study: Benzo[c]fluorene, Benz[a]anthracene, Cyclopenta[c,d]pyrene, Chrysene, 5-Methylchrysene, Benzo[b]fluoranthene, Benzo[j]fluoranthene, Benzo[k]fluoranthene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, Dibenz[a,h]anthracene, Benzo[g,h,i]perylene, Dibenzo[a,l]pyrene, Dibenzo[a,e]pyrene, PAH4 (sum). The presence of Benzo[a]pyrene, Benz[a]anthracene, Benzo[b]fluoranthene and Chrysene is GUARANTEED!
- Indicative concentrations: sum< 20ppb
OUR POINTS OF STRENGHT!
- Niche PT: Test Veritas specialises in organising niche PTs that are hard to find on the market!
- For all PTs that are part of Progetto Trieste, it is possible to submit 2 sets of results and thus evaluate 2 laboratory technicians or 2 different methodologies in the Final Report with one subscription.
- SAVE ON SHIPPING COST! The PTs of Progetto Trieste – Processing Contaminants are scheduled for the round of June 2025. In the same round you will also find the PTs of Progetto Trieste – Mycotoxins line, order as many PTs as you want from those that are shipped the same day: shipping costs do not change!
- Test Veritas has more than 25 years of experience as a PT provider.
Want to know more about our advantages? Read the news on our website.
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