Effect of consumer cooking on furan in convenience foods

The effect of domestic preparation regimes on the level of the heat-formed toxicant furan was studied to provide useful information for exposure assessment and advice for manufacturers and consumers. Foods were cooked in a saucepan on a gas hob or microwaved and furan was determined by headspace sampling with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In general, furan levels did not decrease as much when foods were cooked in a microwave oven when compared with the same foods cooked in a saucepan. Furan levels decreased in most canned and jarred foods after heating in a saucepan. Low levels of furan in soups in cartons were not changed by any procedure. Furan decreased slightly in foods on standing before consumption, but did so more rapidly on stirring. The levels also decreased slightly when foods were left to stand on plates; this observation is attributed to the volatility of furan.     

Effect of consumer cooking on furan in convenience foods

The effect of domestic preparation regimes on the level of the heat-formed toxicant furan was studied to provide useful information for exposure assessment and advice for manufacturers and consumers. Foods were cooked in a saucepan on a gas hob or microwaved and furan was determined by headspace sampling with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In general, furan levels did not decrease as much when foods were cooked in a microwave oven when compared with the same foods cooked in a saucepan. Furan levels decreased in most canned and jarred foods after heating in a saucepan. Low levels of furan in soups in cartons were not changed by any procedure. Furan decreased slightly in foods on standing before consumption, but did so more rapidly on stirring. The levels also decreased slightly when foods were left to stand on plates; this observation is attributed to the volatility of furan.     

Formation of furan in baby food products: Identification and technical challenges

Furan is generally produced during thermal processing of various foods including baked, fried, and roasted food items such as cereal products, coffee, canned, and jarred prepared foods as well as in baby foods. Furan is a toxic and carcinogenic compound to humans and may be a vital hazard to infants and babies. Furan could be formed in foods through thermal degradation of carbohydrates, dissociation of amino acids, and oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The detection of furan in food products is difficult due to its high volatility and low molecular weight. Headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) is generally used for analysis of furan in food samples. The risk assessment of furan can be characterized using margin of exposure approach (MOE). Conventional strategies including cooking in open vessels, reheating of commercially processed foods with stirring, and physical removal using vacuum treatment have remained unsuccessful for the removal of furan due to the complex production mechanisms and possible precursors of furan. The innovative food-processing technologies such as high-pressure processing (HPP), high-pressure thermal sterilization (HPTS), and Ohmic heating have been adapted for the reduction of furan levels in baby foods. But in recent years, only HPP has gained interest due to successful reduction of furan because of its nonthermal mechanism. HPP-treated baby food products are commercially available from different food companies. This review summarizes the mechanism involved in the formation of furan in foods, its toxicity, and identification in infant foods and presents a solution for limiting its formation, occurrence, and retention using novel strategies.     

热加工食品中呋喃形成机制、动力学及减控方法研究进展

呋喃是热加工食品中普遍存在的一类物质,国际癌症研究机构将其归类为"2B"组致癌物质,会损伤肝、肾等器官的功能,研究食品中呋喃形成机制及消减技术成为食品安全的热点课题之一。文章简要介绍了呋喃的理化性质、危害评价,综述了热加工食品中呋喃形成机制、不同食品模拟体系构建及呋喃形成动力学模型、呋喃的消减技术方法,基于我国特色食品配方及加工工艺,提出了减少中式热加工食品中呋喃形成的措施、降低其危害的建议。     

Influences of Operating Parameters on the Formation of Furan During Heating Based on Models of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Furan, a possible carcinogen, is commonly produced by thermal processing in a number of heated foods. The existence of furan levels in foods has attracted considerable attention worldwide. Recent research of furan in food has focused on the possible influences of operating parameters on the furan formation during heat processing. The aim of our study was to investigate the impacts of multiple factors (pH, temperature, heating time, ferric, and glutamic acid) on furan formation using linolenic and linoleic acids‐based model systems in which furan was analyzed by headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐GC–MS). The results revealed that the content of furan increased rapidly when the heating temperature was elevated, with the highest levels of furan in neutral buffer solutions, the furan levels were also found to be related to heating time in all model systems. Ferric promoted furan formation from polyunsaturated fatty acids, conversely glutamic acid with an optimum concentration suppressed the furan formation. The minimal level of furan in foods during thermal treatment could be achieved via adding furan formation suppressors, and/or avoidance of furan forming promoter.     

Ohmic heating: A promising technology to reduce furan formation in sterilized vegetable and vegetable/meat baby foods

Occurrence of furan, classified as carcinogen 2B by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in heat-processed foods, especially sterilized baby foods, is of a health concern. On this account, innovative processing practices ensuring microbial safety, acceptable sensorial features, and, at the same time, minimizing furan formation have to be searched. In this study, the potential of ohmic heating to mitigate furan formation was demonstrated. Compared to conventional retort sterilization, significant mitigation (70–90%) of furan was achieved, assumingly due to reduced degradation of furan precursor under faster terms heating conditions. In purees containing meat, approx. two times less furan was formed, regardless of the processing technology. In addition to furan, also other headspace volatiles were measured and statistically evaluated. Compounds originated through fatty acids oxidation and Maillard reaction products were more abundant in conventionally sterilized samples compared to those treated by ohmic heating.Industrial relevanceOhmic heating is an emerging technology being employed in the field of food processing which applies a direct electric current to food products, providing rapid and uniform heating throughout the product. Shorter heating times used in ohmic heating, as compared to conventional retort sterilization, reduce potential losses of valuable nutrients and as well as reduce the formation of undesirable processing contaminants, in particular furan.The presented work examines furan concentrations across various stages of baby food production, in order to compare ohmic heating and retort sterilization processes. Volatile compound fingerprints for baby food purees processed via both sterilization methods, both prior and post sterilization were assessed. The results presented in this work are of high potential interest to the baby food industry to reduce both heat induced chemical changes and exposure of infants and babies to hazardous processing contaminants such as furan.     

灭菌过程中乳糖-氨基酸模型生成呋喃的影响因素研究

呋喃是一种"2B"类致癌物,可由维生素C、碳水化合物、氨基酸、多不饱和脂肪酸和类胡萝卜素等多种前体合成,广泛存在于热加工食品中。呋喃的危害在婴幼儿食品中更为严重,为此本文基于婴幼儿金枪鱼泥中游离糖类和氨基酸类的成分及含量,构建了四种乳糖-氨基酸模型,设计了二水平部分因子实验,系统地研究了灭菌时间、灭菌温度、p H值、相态和缓冲体系对呋喃形成的影响。结果表明:在四种乳糖-氨基酸模型中,各因素对呋喃的影响有相似的规律,即高温、长时间加热、中性环境、液态和磷酸盐促进呋喃的形成;灭菌时间、灭菌温度、p H值、缓冲体系对呋喃生成量的影响较大,而相态的影响效果较小。本研究旨在为食品中呋喃的防控提供一定的理论基础,同时也为食品中其它危害物的研究提供方法借鉴。     

Furan formation during UV-treatment of fruit juices

Furan is a suspected human carcinogen and reported to be produced by thermal or ultraviolet light (UV-C) treatment of various foods, such as fruit juices and sugar solutions. This study explores the formation of furan during UV-treatment of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) solution and simulated juices containing it and validates the results with two real juices, apple juice and apple cider. Studies performed on individual components of fruit juices revealed fructose to be the main constituent in fruit juices that is responsible for furan formation during UV-treatment. Furan formation was promoted at acidic pH, yet was suppressed in the presence of ascorbic acid. Furan synthesis is strongly influenced by absorbance of the treated solution, with increasing absorption coefficient leading to reduced furan formation. Formation of furan in fruit juices sweetened with HFCS when subjected to UV-treatment has been firmly established.     

Survey of furan in heat processed foods by headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and estimated adult exposure

Furan is a suspected human carcinogen that is formed in some processed foods at low ng per g levels. Recent improvements in analytical methodology and scientific instrumentation have made it possible to accurately measure the amount of furan in a wide variety of foods. Results from analysis of more than 300 processed foods are presented. Furan was found at levels ranging from non-detectable (LOD, 0.2-0.9 ng g^-1) to over 100 ng g^-1. Exposure estimates for several adult food types were calculated, with brewed coffee being the major source of furan in the adult diet (0.15 µg kg^-1 body weight day^-1). Estimates of mean exposure to furan for different subpopulations were calculated. For consumers 2 years and older, the intake is estimated to be about 0.2 µg kg^-1 body weight day^-1.     

A Comparison Study of Frying Conditions on Furan Formation in 3 Potato Varieties

Furan, a typical food contaminant formed by heating process, is classified as a possible carcinogen to humans. Many factors lead to the formation of furan in food processing. In our present study, 3 potato varieties, white potato, sweet potato, and purple potato were selected to investigate the effect of thermal processing temperature and time on furan formation. The results showed that the formation of furan was highly correlated with frying temperature and time. Among the 3 potato varieties, sweet potato resulted in the highest furan concentration when fried at 200 °C for 5 min. In addition, the frying temperature and time also influenced the water activity and the color of the 3 kinds of potato slices, which had significant correlation with the formation of furan. Furan concentration decreased along with the increasing of water activity in the 3 potato varieties and the changes presented regression relationships. Meanwhile, there was an inverse correlation between furan content and color changes in the 3 potato varieties. The level of furan decreased as total color changes (ΔE) increased and the changes also presented regression relationships. These results could be used to estimate the possibility of furan formation in the 3 varieties of potato slices systems.     

Furan in commercial baby foods from the Spanish market: estimation of daily intake and risk assessment

ABSTRACT

The occurrence of furan in commercial baby food samples from the Spanish market was evaluated using an automated headspace solid-phase microextraction method coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). A total of 76 baby food samples including infant formula, baby cereals, fruit in cans and/or jars, vegetables, meat, and fish, were surveyed for furan content. The lowest concentration of this compound was found in infant formula (<0.02–0.33 ng ml^?1), and cereal-based food (0.15–2.1 ng g^?1) while baby food containing fish showed the highest concentrations (19–84 ng g^?1). Following recommendation of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the effect on furan content was evaluated of consumer home preparation of foods, heating and handling. Furan concentrations were reduced by up to 35% when samples were heated in a dish using microwave oven and by up to 53% when a hot water bath was used. Finally, we estimated the furan intake from baby food consumption (0.002–1.18 µg kg^?1 body weight day^?1) and we calculated the margin of exposure (MOE) from samples as purchased and also after home preparation of the food. For infant formula and cereal baby foods, the MOEs (26,278–412,776) indicated no infant health concern or priority, while for meat and fish-based baby foods the values pointed to a potential public health risk, even considering the furan losses during preparation at home.     

Effect of ionizing radiation on furan formation in fresh-cut fruits and vegetables

ABSTRACT:  Furan, a possible carcinogen, is commonly induced by thermal processing in a wide variety of foods. The possible formation of furan from fresh-cut fruits and vegetables due to irradiation was studied. Nineteen fresh-cut fruits and vegetables were irradiated by 5 kGy gamma rays at 4 °C. Furan was analyzed from the irradiated samples using a number of preparation methods. The results showed that almost all tested fruits and vegetables, upon irradiation, produced nondetectable levels, or less than 1 ng/g of furan. Irradiation induced low ng/g levels of furan only in grape and pineapple. Dipping apple slices into calcium ascorbate before irradiation did not increase furan formation. The pH and the amount of simple sugars in fresh fruits and vegetables had a role in furan formation. Low levels of furan were induced by irradiation only in those fruits that had a high amount of simple sugars and low pH.     

Effect of cooking or handling conditions on the furan levels of processed foods

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of cooking or handling conditions on the concentration of furan in processed foods. The analytical method used to analyse furan levels in foods was optimized based on solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS). In baby soups, the concentration of furan decreased by up to 22% after opening a lid for 10 min. In the baby food in retort packaging, the level of furan was reduced by 15–33% after heating the foods at 50°C without a lid. Furan in rice seasonings was evaporated completely after heating the foods at 60°C. Regarding powered milk, the levels of furan were too low to be compared under various conditions. The levels of furan decreased to 58% in beverage products for babies, after storing them at 4°C for 1 day without a lid. The levels of furan in canned foods such as cereal and vegetable were reduced by zero to 52% when they were stored without stirring in a refrigerator at 4°C for 1 day. When we boiled canned fish, the furan present was almost completely evaporated. It is recommended that canned meats be heated up to 50–70°C for the reduction (26–46%) of furan levels. The levels of furan in instant and brewed coffee samples were significantly reduced after storing for 11 to 20 min at room temperature without a lid (p < 0.05).     

Survey of furan in heat processed foods by headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and estimated adult exposure

Furan is a suspected human carcinogen that is formed in some processed foods at low ng per g levels. Recent improvements in analytical methodology and scientific instrumentation have made it possible to accurately measure the amount of furan in a wide variety of foods. Results from analysis of more than 300 processed foods are presented. Furan was found at levels ranging from non-detectable (LOD, 0.2–0.9 ng g^?1) to over 100 ng g^?1. Exposure estimates for several adult food types were calculated, with brewed coffee being the major source of furan in the adult diet (0.15 µg kg^?1 body weight day^?1). Estimates of mean exposure to furan for different subpopulations were calculated. For consumers 2 years and older, the intake is estimated to be about 0.2 µg kg^?1 body weight day^?1.     

A comprehensive review of furan in foods: From dietary exposures and in vivo metabolism to mitigation measures

Furan is a thermal food processing contaminant that is ubiquitous in various food products such as coffee, canned and jarred foods, and cereals. A comprehensive summary of research progress on furan is presented in this review, including discussion of (i) formation pathways, (ii) occurrence and dietary exposures, (iii) analytical techniques, (iv) toxicities, (v) metabolism and metabolites, (vi) risk assessment, (vii) potential biomarkers, and (viii) mitigation measures. Dietary exposure to furan varies among different countries and age groups. Furan acts through various toxicological pathways mediated by its primary metabolite, cis-2-butene-1,4-dial (BDA). BDA can readily react with glutathione, amino acids, biogenic amines, or nucleotides to form corresponding metabolites, some of which have been proposed as potential biomarkers of exposure to furan. Present risk assessment of furan mainly employed the margin of exposure approach. Given the widespread occurrence of furan in foods and its harmful health effects, mitigating furan levels in foods or exploring potential dietary supplements to protect against furan toxicity is necessary for the benefit of food safety and public health.     

Furan in heat‐treated foods: Formation,exposure, toxicity,and aspects of risk assessment

Furan is formed in a variety of heat‐treated foods through thermal degradation of natural food constituents. Relatively high levels of furan contamination are found in ground roasted coffee, instant coffee, and processed baby foods. European exposure estimates suggest that mean dietary exposure to furan may be as high as 1.23 and 1.01 μg/kg bw/day for adults and 3‐ to 12‐month‐old infants, respectively. Furan is a potent hepatotoxin and hepatocarcinogen in rodents, causing hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas in rats and mice, and high incidences of cholangiocarcinomas in rats at doses ≥2 mg/kg bw. There is therefore a relatively low margin of exposure between estimated human exposure and doses that cause a high tumor incidence in rodents. Since a genotoxic mode of action cannot be excluded for furan‐induced tumor formation, the present exposures may indicate a risk to human health and need for mitigation. This review summarizes the current knowledge on mechanisms of furan formation in food, human dietary exposure to furan, and furan toxicity, and highlights the need to establish the risk resulting from the genotoxic and carcinogenic properties of furan at doses lower than 2 mg/kg bw.     

氨基酸对葡萄糖、半乳糖模型产生呋喃的影响

为研究氨基酸对葡萄糖和半乳糖模型产生呋喃的影响,通过向葡萄糖模型和半乳糖模型中加入不同含量的甘氨酸、丝氨酸、苏氨酸、谷氨酸,模拟密封罐装食品的灭菌条件（121 ℃条件下油浴30 min）,采用顶空气相色谱-质谱（headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry,HS-GC-MS）法检测呋喃的含量。结果表明：低含量（≤5 mg）的甘氨酸、极低含量（1 mg）的丝氨酸、高含量（50 mg）的苏氨酸和谷氨酸的添加能够明显促进葡萄糖模型产生呋喃,而对于半乳糖模型,所有高含量（50 mg）氨基酸的添加都能够导致呋喃的大量产生。苏氨酸对葡萄糖模型产生呋喃的促进作用明显强于其余3 种氨基酸（P＜0.05）;对于半乳糖模型,甘氨酸、苏氨酸对其产生呋喃的促进作用最强,且它们之间无明显差异。     

Rapid and improved determination of furan in baby foods and infant formulas by headspace GC/MS

Furan is a 5-membered ring compound with high volatility. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently published a report on the occurrence of furan in a large number of thermally processed foods. However, the FDA's analytical method, using standard curve addition, is not suitable for high-throughput routine laboratory operations. We developed a rapid and improved method for determination of furan in foods by headspace GC/MS. Quantification was achieved by using an internal standard of d4-furan and an external calibration curve of furan normalized against the internal standard. The incubation temperature for equilibration was set at 60 degrees C to avoid the formation of furan during analysis. The levels of furan in baby foods and infant formulas were determined with this method. Validation data showed good precision and accuracy. The LOD and LOQ were 0.2-0.5 ng/g and 0.5-2 ng/g for various food matrixes, respectively. The level of furan detected was in the range of 1.4 to 90 ng/g in baby foods and in the range of non-detectable to 36 ng/g in infant formulas.     

Pressure-Thermal Kinetics of Furan Formation in Selected Fruit and Vegetable Juices

Furan, a potential carcinogenic compound, can be formed in array of processed foods. The objective of this study was to conduct kinetic studies in pineapple juice and assess the interactive effects of pressure (0.1 to 600 MPa) and temperature (30 to 120 °C) on furan formation. Additional experiments were carried out in tomato, watermelon, cantaloupe, kale, and carrot juice to understand the influence of matrix and juice pH. Furan was monitored in raw (control) and processed samples by automated headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry, and quantified by calibration curve method with d₄-furan as internal standard. The data were modeled using zero-, first-, and second-order equations. The zero-order rate constants (k _T,P ), activation energy (E _a ), and Gibbs free energy of activation (ΔG ^?) of furan formation in thermally processed (TP; 90–120 °C) pineapple juice were found to be 0.036–0.55 μg/kg/min, 98–114 kJ/mol, and 173.9–180.5 kJ/mol, respectively. Furan concentration was negligible and close to the detection limit (0.37 μg/kg) after pressure treatment (600 MPa at 30 °C) of juice samples. For similar process temperatures, the rate constants of pressure-assisted thermally processed (PATP; 600 MPa at 105 °C) pineapple juice were lower than that of TP samples. Furan formation was influenced by juice matrix and pH. On the other hand, PATP markedly suppressed furan (0.7 to 1.6 μg/kg) in these selected juices. In conclusion, furan formation increased with process temperature and treatment time, while pressure treatment at ambient temperature did not promote its production. Furan formation in TP fruit juices was also influenced by juice matrix and pH, but these were not the significant factors for PATP-treated juices.