Topic: Environment

Scientists have developed a new method to detect cancer-causing chemicals called PAHs in food. This method is faster and more accurate than previous methods.

Many people track what they eat, exercise daily, and choose foods that seem healthy. However, even nutritious foods can contain hidden chemical concerns. Some of these contaminants come from the environment, while others form during high heat cooking methods like heating, smoking, grilling, roasting, or frying.

Among the compounds of concern are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Some PAHs have been known to cause cancer, which makes reliable food testing important for public health. But detecting PAHs in food is not simple. Conventional methods can be time-consuming and require a lot of chemicals.

To solve this problem, scientists developed a new method called QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe). This approach speeds up sample preparation, reduces chemical use, improves recovery rates, and makes food contaminant testing more practical for routine safety checks. In 2025, researchers from Seoul National University of Science and Technology used QuEChERS to measure eight PAHs in food.

The team used acetonitrile to extract PAHs from food samples, then tested several purification strategies involving different combinations of sorbents. The method was validated across multiple food matrices, showing strong performance. Calibration curves for all eight PAHs had R2 values above 0.99, indicating a highly linear and reliable measurement system.

Why It Matters

This new method can help ensure the safety of our food supply chain in India. As we increasingly focus on healthy eating, it's crucial to know what chemicals might be lurking in our daily meals.

Key Facts

• Scientists have developed a new method called QuEChERS to detect cancer-causing chemicals (PAHs) in food.
• The QuEChERS method is faster and more accurate than previous methods.
• Eight PAHs were measured in food using the QuEChERS method.
• The highest levels of PAHs were found in soybean oil, followed by duck meat and canola oil.
• This new method can help ensure the safety of our food supply chain.

Key Terms

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Cancer-causing chemicals that can form during high heat cooking methods

Implications

This new method can help ensure the safety of our food supply chain in India. As we increasingly focus on healthy eating, it's crucial to know what chemicals might be lurking in our daily meals.