QuEChERS method development for the GC-MS analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in food

The determination of eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in food was performed using a QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method, followed by GC-MS. PAHs were extracted using acetonitrile, followed by purification using various methods involving different combinations of sorbents. The validation was conducted using a variety of food matrices. Calibration curves for the 8 PAHs demonstrated remarkable linearity (R² > 0.99). The limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.006 to 0.035 µg/kg, and the limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.019 to 0.133 µg/kg. In all food matrices, recoveries ranged 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, with precision values between 0.4 and 6.9%. In different food matrices, the highest levels were observed in soybean oil, followed by duck meat and canola oil.