New Method for Analysis of Methylfurans

February 2018. Since the beginning of the year, Eurofins has complemented its furan analysis offer with the analysis of 2- and 3-methylfuran. The headspace-GC-MS analysis of furan and methylfurans is currently applicable to foods other than coffee and flavourings. The analysis of 2- and 3-methylfuran in coffee and coffee products will be finalised within the next few weeks. The analysis of flavourings and other special matrices is possible on project basis upon request.

Formation and occurence of furan and methylfurans

Similar to acrylamide, furan is a process contaminant which evolves within the production and preparation of food during thermal processing (sterilising, roasting, baking etc.). So far, reducing sugars, amino acids, ascorbic acid, unsaturated fatty acids and carotenoids have been identified as possible precursors. The formation of furan is relevant e.g. in roasted coffee, canned and jarred food including baby food, baked goods, cereals and crackers. 2- and 3-methylfuran as well as 2,5-dimethylfuran are also formed during heat treatment of food and can co-occur with furan. Due to the high volatility of furan and methylfurans, levels may also decrease again during processing, thus heating and processing conditions are crucial.

Toxicological evaluation

Based on animal studies it is concluded that consumer exposure to furan and methylfurans from food may lead to longterm liver damage. In October 2017, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a Scientific Opinion on the “Risks for public health related to the presence of furan and methylfurans in food” (doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.5005) on behalf of the European Commission. More than 17,000 analytical results on furan were used in this evaluation. No occurrence data on methylfurans were available in this data collection. However, it is known from the literature that the ratio of furan to methylfurans depends on the food matrix and the specific methyl analogue.  

While coffee is the major contributor to adults’ exposure to furan, jarred baby food plays a crucial role for infants. Cereal (products) also contribute to the exposure of different age groups to furan. However, according to EFSA more data is needed for a more comprehensive assessment.

Questions? – Just contact us!

The Eurofins experts have many years of experience in the analysis of furan in all relevant food groups. For more information visit our web page for organic contaminants or contact your account manager or our expert for the analysis of furan and methylfurans.