Quantitative Analysis of Furan and Alkylfurans in Processed Food Using Headspace GC-MS

User Benefits

- The compact instrument design reduces the installation footprint. - Maintenance requirements are reduced due to the DuraEase ion source, which is designed for durability and ease of maintenance. - The HS-20 NX headspace sampler offers automated preparation of samples for improved productivity and repeatability.

Introduction

Furan and alkylfurans are aromatic compounds with a five-membered ring structure. Furan and some alkylfurans, such as 2-methylfuran, 3-methylfuran, and 2,5-methylfuran (furan with a hydrocarbon chain attached), are found in processed food. They are generated through a variety of pathways during heat treatment of the food. Some countries have studied these compounds and concluded they are a health concern. At present, no country has set permissible levels for furan or alkylfurans in food. But since they are harmful substances that are generated unintentionally during the processing of food, analyzing them is becoming increasingly important. In this Application News, the levels of furan and alkylfurans in commercially available processed food were measured.

August 19, 2025 GMT