Regulation and determination of the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in food products

Objectives. To conduct analysis of PAH findings obtained by different international research organizations and institutions. To compare European and Ukrainian laws regulating contamination of food with PAH. Methods and Materials. Analysis of scientific sources and European and Ukrainian legal acts regulating contamination of food with PAH. Research on contamination of food with PAH. Results and Discussion. According to European Food Safety Authority findings (2008) a total of 9714 foodstuff samples were investigated for one or more 16 priority PAH concentration. Results for the full set of 16 PAH were reported in 823 foodstuff samples, for 15 SCF priority PAH – in 1375 samples, and PAH 8 – in 4065 samples. Benzo[a]pyrene was detected in approximately 50% of all samples tested, ranging from not detected to 100% depending on the foodstuff group involved. In about 30% of samples tested for SCF priority PAH the carcinogenic and genotoxic PAH were detected despite the negative test results for benzo[a]pyrene. The CONTAM Panel came to a conclusion that benzo[a]pyrene is not an unconditional indicator of PAH occurrence in foodstuffs. Based on currently available data concerning PAH occurrence and toxicity, the CONTAM Panel concluded that PAH4 (benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, chrysene) and PAH8 (benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[ghi]perylene, chrysene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene constitute the most indicative PAH in foodstuffs with PAH8 not providing much added value compared to PAH4. The findings of the research conducted at the Research Center of Toxicology revealed that benzo[a]pyrene content in two samples of sunflower oil exceeded its maximum level. The PAH content in the unrefined crude soybean oil test sample exceeded the maximum level for both benzo[a]pyrene and the sum of three PAH. Considering the sources, conditions of PAH formation and oil production process peculiarities, it can be assumed that PAH accumulation in oil occurs due to improper drying of oilseeds. In Ukraine, as part of the implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Ukraine, the work is in progress to harmonize national legislation on PAH regulation with European documents. Conclusions. Given the high hygienic importance of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as common carcinogenic foodstuff contaminants, it is necessary to assess health risk factors associated with above-mentioned compounds content in foodstuffs. Special measures to reduce their level in diets for the population should be developed and implemented. Key Words: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzo[a]pyrene, safety, risks, harmonization.