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PAHs in different honeys from Serbia.
Jelena Petrović1, Brankica Kartalović1, Radomir Ratajac1
1a Department for food analysis , Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad" , Novi Sad , Serbia.
Food Additives & Contaminants. Part B, Surveillance
|February 19, 2019
Summary
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Serbian honey were analyzed. Some honey samples exceeded safety limits for benzo[a]pyrene, posing health risks to consumers.
Area of Science:
- Food safety analysis
- Environmental contaminants in food products
Background:
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental contaminants with potential health risks.
- No maximum limits are currently established for PAHs in honey and bee products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the PAH16 content in honey samples from Serbia.
- To identify potential contamination and associated health risks for consumers.
Main Methods:
- A market survey of 61 honey samples from Serbia was conducted.
- PAH16 content was quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Main Results:
- Several honey samples showed high concentrations of specific PAHs, including benzo[a]pyrene, chrysene, and benzo[ghi]perylene.
- 6.6% of the analyzed honey samples exceeded established maximum limits for benzo[a]pyrene and PAH4, rendering them unsafe for consumption.
- Detected PAH levels indicate potential consumer health risks.
Conclusions:
- A significant portion of Serbian honey samples may pose a health risk due to high PAH contamination.
- Further investigation is required to pinpoint the sources of PAH contamination in honey.
- Establishing regulatory limits for PAHs in honey is crucial for consumer protection.
