Immunoassay based on monoclonal antibodies versus LC-MS: deoxynivalenol in wheat and flour in Southern Brazil

An indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method using a monoclonal antibody for deoxynivalenol (DON) detection in wheat and flour was standardised and validated (detection limit?=?177.1?µg?kg^?1) and its performance was compared with LC-MS, quantification limit?=140?µg?kg^?1). DON recovery ranged from 88.7% to 122.6% for wheat grain and from 70.6% to 139.3% for flour. Among the 38 wheat samples evaluated, DON was detected in 29 samples (76.3%) by ic-ELISA (281.6–12?291.4?µg?kg^?1) and in 22 samples (57.9%) by LC-MS (155.3–9906.9?µg?kg^?1). The 0.93 correlation coefficient between ic-ELISA and LC-MS data in 19 positive DON wheat samples demonstrated the reliability and efficiency of ic-ELISA. Results indicated that standardised ic-ELISA was suitable for DON screening in wheat samples and the need for continuous monitoring of mycotoxin levels in foodstuffs.     

Survey of the anticoccidial feed additive nicarbazin (as dinitrocarbanilide residues) in poultry and eggs

A survey was carried out on the occurrence of dinitrocarbanilide (DNC), the marker residue for nicarbazin, in poultry produced in Ireland during 2002–2004. Liver (n?=?736) and breast muscle samples (n?=?342) were tested. DNC residues were found in 40 and 26% of liver and breast muscle samples at levels greater than 12.5 and 5?µg?kg^?1, respectively. DNC residues were found at >200?µg?kg^?1 in 12 and 0% of liver and muscle samples, respectively. Samples of breast muscle (n?=?217) imported from 11 countries were also tested for DNC residues. A lower incidence of DNC residues (6%) was found in imported breast muscle. Egg samples (n?=?546) were tested and DNC residues were found in nine samples, with levels ranging between 14 and 122?µg?kg^?1. Analysis of poultry, carried out as part of official food inspection in the period 2004–2006, indicated a reduction in the number of broiler liver samples containing DNC at >200?µg?kg^?1, to approximately 7%. Low levels of DNC residues continue to be found in <2% of egg samples.     

Surveillance study of a number of synthetic and natural growth promoters in bovine muscle samples using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A simple, new method permitting the simultaneous determination and confirmation of trace residues of 24 different growth promoters and metabolites using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed and validated. The compounds were extracted from bovine tissue using acetonitrile; sodium sulphate was also added at this stage to aid with purification. The resulting mixture was then evaporated to approximately 1?ml and subsequently centrifuged at high speed and an aliquot injected onto the LC-MS/MS system. The calculated CCα values ranged between 0.11 and 0.46?µg?kg^?1; calculated CCβ were in the range 0.19–0.79?µg?kg^?1. Accuracy, measurement of uncertainty, repeatability and linearity were also determined for each analyte. The analytical method was applied to a number of bovine tissue samples imported into Ireland from third countries. Levels of progesterone were found in a number of samples at concentrations ranging between 0.28 and 30.30?µg?kg^?1. Levels of alpha- and beta-testosterone were also found in a number of samples at concentrations ranging between 0.22 and 8.63?µg?kg^?1 and between 0.16 and 2.08?µg?kg^?1 respectively.     

In-house validation of an ELISA method for screening of semicarbazide in eggs

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method is described for the semi-quantitative determination of semicarbazide (SEM), the marker residue for the banned nitrofuran drug, nitrofurazone, in chicken eggs. The sample homogenate is subjected to acid hydrolysis and derivatisation with o-nitrobenzaldehyde, followed by ethyl acetate/hexane extraction and detection by ELISA. The ELISA procedure has been validated using 0.3, 1.0 and 3 µg kg^?1 of SEM in fortified samples. Detection capability (CC_ß) was based on the acceptance of 5% false compliant results for a given concentration level according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and was determined to be 0.3 µg kg^?1 with a respective limit of detection of 0.13 µg kg^?1. A validated LC–MS/MS method was used for the analysis of incurred egg samples and the results compared with ELISA. A good correlation between the results obtained from ELISA and LC–MS/MS within the concentration range 0.12–20.3 µg kg^?1 was observed in samples collected from chickens fed with a medicated ration of nitrofurazone (r?=?0.992, n?=?14). Validated ELISA enabled reliable monitoring of SEM levels in eggs collected from incurred chickens over a 90-day period.     

Validation of a multi-residue enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for qualitative screening of corticosteroids in liver,urine and milk

A rapid and sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied for the qualitative screening analysis of dexamethasone, betamethasone, flumethasone, and prednisolone in milk and urine, and dexamethasone, flumethasone and prednisolone in liver samples at levels corresponding to the European Union maximum residue limit (MRL), or at required performance levels (RPLs) for substances for which there is no established MRL. Method validation was performed according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC criteria established for qualitative screening methods. In this regard, the following parameters were determined: detection capability (CCβ), specificity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), recovery, within-laboratory reproducibility, linearity and ruggedness. LODs were 0.2, 1.2 and 0.6?µg?kg^?1 in milk, urine and liver samples, and LOQ values were 0.3, 1.2 and 1.4?µg?kg^?1 in milk, urine and liver, respectively. Recoveries from spiked samples ranged from 68% to 131% for dexamethasone, from 57% to 120% for flumethasone, from 60% to 155% for betamethasone, and from 23% to 32% for prednisolone, with a coefficient of variation (CV) between 1.6% and 21.2%. The CCβ value was below the MRL/RPL for all examined matrices. Moderate variations of some critical factors in the sample pre-treatment for liver and milk samples were deliberately introduced for ruggedness evaluation and did not result in any negative effects on corticosteroid detection. The proposed method is suitable for qualitative screening analysis of corticosteroids in the above-mentioned food in conformity with the current European Union performance requirements.     

Lipophilic toxin profiles detected in farmed and benthic mussels populations from the most relevant production zones in Southern Chile

Lipophilic toxins associated with diarrhoeic toxins were found in Mytilus chilensis (Blue mussels) and Aulacomya ater (Ribbed mussels). These shellfish samples were collected from Chiloe Island, Southern Chile. The samples were tested by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). After the analysis, four toxins were found: DTX-1, DTX-3, YTX and PTX. All toxins were identified by comparing their HPLC retention times with those of analytical standards and confirmed by LC-MS/MS. Dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX-1) and dinophysistoxin-3 (DTX-3) toxins were the major components within the mussel extracts. Nevertheless, the percentages of these toxins differed depending on the area they were collected from and/or the sampling date. The levels detected in Butacheuques Island for okadaic acid (OA) was 267?±?3.5?µg OA?eq?kg^?1 (p?<?0.05) and for DTX-3 was 183.4?±?7.5?µg?kg^?1 in ribbed mussels. Pectenotoxin (PTX) and yessotoxin (YTX) were the toxins detected in minor proportions in the toxic profile of the bivalves. The maximum concentration of YTX detected in ribbed mussels was 85.2?±?2.8?µg?kg^?1 in Mechuque Island, whereas the PTX-2 level in ribbed mussels was 82.0?±?2.4?µg?kg^?1 in Cailin Island. Analogues of YTX and PTX-2 were not detected in any of the analysed mussels, which did not support the supposed presence of isomers of toxins as a result of the enzymatic metabolism of bivalves. This study found evidence proving co-occurrence of lipophilic toxins – like PTX and YTX – with diarrhoeic toxin in samples collected in Southern Chile, which is, to date, the more complex mix of lipophilic toxins ever found in mussels samples from Southern Chile.     

Application of a luminescent bacterial biosensor for the detection of tetracyclines in routine analysis of poultry muscle samples

Tetracyclines are extensively used in veterinary medicine. For the detection of tetracycline residues in animal products, a broad array of methods is available. Luminescent bacterial biosensors represent an attractive inexpensive, simple and fast method for screening large numbers of samples. A previously developed cell-biosensor method was subjected to an evaluation study using over 300 routine poultry samples and the results were compared with a microbial inhibition test. The cell-biosensor assay yielded many more suspect samples, 10.2% versus 2% with the inhibition test, which all could be confirmed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Only one sample contained a concentration above the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 100 µg kg^?1, while residue levels in most of the suspect samples were very low (<10 µg kg^?1). The method appeared to be specific and robust. Using an experimental set-up comprising the analysis of a series of three sample dilutions allowed an appropriate cut-off for confirmatory analysis, limiting the number of samples and requiring further analysis to a minimum.     

Occurrence of chloramphenicol in cereal straw in north-western Europe

Two surveys are presented of straw analysed for naturally occurring chloramphenicol (CAP), a drug banned for use in food-producing animals. In the first study, CAP was analysed by LC-MS/MS and detected in 37 out of 105 straw samples originating from the Netherlands, France, the UK, Germany and Denmark. The highest level found was 6.3 µg kg^?1, the average 0.6 µg kg^?1 and the median 0.2 µg kg^?1. The second study included a method comparison between ELISA and LC-MS/MS and a survey of CAP in cereal straw sampled at farms in all areas of Sweden. A total of 215 samples were screened by ELISA and a subset of 26 samples was also analysed by LC-MS/MS. Fifty-four of the samples contained more than 1 µg kg^?1 CAP and the highest level found was 32 µg kg^?1 (confirmed by LC-MS/MS). The highest contents of CAP in this study were allocated to the Baltic sea coast in the south-eastern part of Sweden (the county of Skåne and the Baltic Sea isle of Gotland). These results indicate a high incidence of CAP in straw in north-west Europe and have a severe impact on the enforcement of European Union legislation.     

Determination of sterigmatocystin in cheese by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Different cheese samples produced in Latvia (eight) and Belgium (13) were analysed for their sterigmatocystin (STC) content. Only two (9.5%) of the samples were positive for STC with concentration levels of 1.23 and 0.52 µg kg^?1, respectively. Five (24%) samples contained STC above the limit of detection (0.03 µg kg^?1) but below the limit of quantification (0.1 µg kg^?1), A sensitive liquid chromatography-electrospray positive ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method, which was previously developed for the analysis of STC in grains, was modified and applied to the analysis of STC in cheese. This method involved sample extraction with acetonitrile–water (90 : 10, v/v), defatting with n-hexane, solid-phase extraction, separation on a reversed-phase C₁₈ column, and STC detection by LC-MS/MS.     

Distribution of semduramicin in hen eggs and tissues after administration of cross-contaminated feed

Semduramicin is an ionophore coccidiostat used in the poultry industry as a feed additive. Cross-contamination of feeds for non-target animals with semduramicin is unavoidable. However, it is not known whether undesirable residues of semduramicin may occur in food after cross-contaminated feed is administered to animals. The aim of the work was to determine the levels of semduramicin in hen eggs (yolks and albumen) and tissues (liver, muscle, spleen, gizzard, ovarian yolks and ovaries) after administration of feed contaminated with 0.27 mg kg^?1 of this coccidiostat. The residues were determined using LC-MS/MS. The distribution pattern confirmed the high lipophilicity of semduramicin. Residues were found mainly in egg yolks (28.8 µg kg^?1), ovarian yolks (19.5 µg kg^?1) and liver (2.57 µg kg^?1), while hens’ muscle was free from semduramicin (LOD = 0.1 µg kg^?1). Among edible tissues, the maximum level (2 µg kg^?1) was exceeded only in the liver.     

Determination of tetracycline residues in chicken meat by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Analysis of residual levels of tetracyclines (TCs) in chicken meat was performed using a validated liquid chromatography coupled with a tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technique. Overall, the recoveries for TCs ranged from 56.9% to 101.2%, with standard deviations of 4.5–13.2%. Detection limits ranged from 7.9 to 14.6?µg?kg^?1. In four of 60 samples, doxycycline (DXC) was determined in a range from 19.9 to 35.6?µg?kg^?1; and in one sample tetracycline was detected at 17.2?µg?kg^?1. Chlortetracycline (CTC) and oxytetracycline (OTC) were not detected in any of the tested samples. This study indicates that chicken meat sold in Bursa, Turkey, contained some residues of TCs. Therefore, stricter regulations for the use of antibiotics in the poultry industry and the monitoring of drug residues in chicken meat prior to marketing are needed. Finally, this method has been applied successfully for the confirmation of TCs in chicken meat.     

Screening methods for the detection of antibiotic residues in slaughter animals: comparison of the European Union Four-Plate Test,the Nouws Antibiotic Test and the Premi®Test (applied to muscle and kidney)

Microbial growth inhibition tests are widely used as the primary screening approach for the detection of antibiotic residues in slaughter animals. In this study we evaluated and compared the performance of the European Union Four-Plate Test (EU4pt), the Nouws Antibiotic Test (NAT), and a commercial ampoule test, the Premi®Test (applied to both muscle and kidney), by parallel analysis of 735 slaughter animals. The EU4pt only showed significant inhibition with two muscle samples containing 305?µg?kg^?1 doxycycline and 648?µg?kg^?1 tulathromycin, while an maximum residue limit (MRL) violation of 1100?µg?kg^?1 sulfamethazine remained unnoticed. Premi®Test-muscle only detected the sulfamethazine containing sample, all other (1.1%) suspect samples appeared false-positive results. The same test applied to kidney yielded 4.1% suspect samples, while the NAT screening (based on analysis of renal pelvis fluid) showed 4.9% suspect results. The vast majority of these samples contained tetracycline and/or aminoglycoside residues. Premi®Test-kidney appeared to be more sensitive to aminoglycosides than the NAT screening, which failed to detect an MRL violation of 870?µg?kg^?1 gentamicin in kidney. Detection of less than MRL levels of tetracycline residues by the NAT proved its suitability for this residue group. Whether Premi®Test is sufficiently sensitive for accurate tetracycline detection in kidney remains doubtful, although changing over to kidney definitely improved the suitability of Premi®Test for the detection of residues in slaughter animals.     

Immunoaffinity chromatography purification and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry determination of four β-agonists in beef

A highly selective and sensitive method was developed for the simultaneous determination of four β-agonists (clenbuterol, salbutamol, ractopamine and terbutaline) in beef by immunoaffinity chromatography purification coupled to ultra-high-performance LC-MS/MS. The MS/MS conditions, ultra-high-performance LC mobile phase, injection solution, sample purification process and matrix effect were studied to optimise the operation conditions. The limits of detection (LODs) of the instrument for the studied β-agonists ranged from 0.20 to 0.25?µg?l^?1, and the LODs of the method for the studied β-agonists ranged from 0.20 to 3.00?µg?kg^?1 for beef. Calibration curves were constructed using a standard solution diluted with blank beef matrix. The linear ranges of the calibration curves ranged from 5 to 100?µg?kg^?1 and the coefficients of determination were >0.9942 (n?=?10) for all four β-agonists. Samples spiked at 5, 10 and 50?µg?kg^?1 showed recoveries >72% and RSDs <6.6%. The method is suitable for the simultaneous detection of four β-agonists at trace levels in beef.     

Rapid multi-class multi-residue method for the confirmation of chloramphenicol and eleven nitroimidazoles in milk and honey by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS)

A confirmatory method was developed to allow for the analysis of eleven nitroimidazoles and also chloramphenicol in milk and honey samples. These compounds are classified as A6 compounds in Annex IV of Council Regulation 2377/90 (European Commission 1990) and therefore prohibited for use in animal husbandry. Milk samples were extracted by acetonitrile with the addition of NaCl; honey samples were first dissolved in water before a similar extraction. Honey extracts underwent a hexane wash to remove impurities. Both milk and honey extracts were evaporated to dryness and reconstituted in initial mobile phase. These were then injected onto a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system and analysed in less than 9 min. The MS/MS was operated in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with positive and negative electrospray ionization. The method was validated in accordance with Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and is capable of analysing metronidazole, dimetridazole, ronidazole, ipronidazole and there hydroxy metabolites hydroxymetronidazole, 2-hydroxymethyl-1-methyl-5-nitroimidazole, and hydroxyipronidazole. The method can also analyse for carnidazole, ornidazole, ternidazole, tinidazole, and chloramphenicol. A recommended level of 3 µg l^?1/µg kg^?1 for methods for metronidazole, dimetridazole, and ronidazole has been recommended by the Community Reference Laboratory (CRL) responsible for this substance group, and this method can easily detect all nitroimidazoles at this level. A minimum required performance level of 0.3 µg l^?1/µg kg^?1 is in place for chloramphenicol which the method can also easily detect. For nitroimidazoles, the decision limits (CCα) and detection capabilities (CCβ) ranged from 0.41 to 1.55 µg l^?1 and from 0.70 to 2.64 µg l^?1, respectively, in milk; and from 0.38 to 1.16 µg kg^?1 and from 0.66 to 1.98 µg kg^?1, respectively, in honey. For chloramphenicol, the values are 0.07 and 0.11 µg l^?1 in milk and 0.08 and 0.13 µg kg^?1 in honey. Validation criteria of accuracy, precision, repeatability, and reproducibility along with measurement uncertainty were calculated for all analytes in both matrices.     

Simultaneous determination of residues of trichlorfon and dichlorvos in animal tissues by LC-MS/MS

Trichlorfon is a thermally unstable insecticide that can be easily decomposed to dichlorvos at high temperatures. In this study, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for simultaneous determination of the residues of trichlorfon and dichlorvos in animal tissues. Trichlorfon and dichlorvos in animal tissues were extracted with dichloromethane, homogenized/shaken, concentrated, and determined by LC-MS/MS. The two insecticides can be effectively separated and individually determined. The limits of detection (LODs) of trichlorfon and dichlorvos were 0.04 and 0.07 µg kg^?1, respectively; the limits of quantification (LOQs) of the two insecticides were both 5 µg kg^?1. The average recoveries for three spiked blank samples at 10, 20 and 40 µg kg^?1 were in the range 85–106%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 10.6%, which falls in a reasonable range for the analysis of the two insecticides in animal-derived foods. The method is fit-for-purpose for the simultaneous determination of residues of trichlorfon and dichlorvos in animal tissues.     

Tropane and ergot alkaloids in grain-based products for infants and young children in the Netherlands in 2011–2014

An LC-MS/MS multi-method was developed to simultaneously quantify ergot alkaloids (EAs) and tropane alkaloids (TAs) in 113 cereal-based food for infants and young children. To assess yearly variation, samples were collected in 2011, 2012 and 2014. EAs were detected in 54% and TAs in 22% of the samples. Mean EA levels in the three sampling years were 10.6, 6.2 and 8.6 µg kg^?1, respectively (maximum: 115.4 µg kg^?1), indicating that exposure to EAs would not have exceeded the health-based guidance values set by EFSA in 2012. Mean TA levels were 3.9, 2.4 and 0.4 µg kg^?1, respectively (maximum: 80.8 µg kg^?1). The acute reference dose for TAs, derived by EFSA in 2013, would have been exceeded by young children when consuming some of the products sampled in 2011–2012. TA levels had decreased drastically in 2014, possibly due to measures taken by producers as response to the EFSA Opinion.     

Validation of the βeta-s.t.a.r. 1 + 1 for rapid screening of residues of β-lactam antibiotics in milk

The 2-min protocol (1 + 1) for the βeta-s.t.a.r. (manufactured by Neogen Corporation, Lansing, MI, USA) was validated at the Technology and Food Science Unit of the Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. The test was very selective for the group of β-lactam compounds: the only interference found was by clavulanic acid at 2500 µg kg^?1 and above. The modified protocol (βeta-s.t.a.r. 1 + 1) detected all β-lactams with a maximum residue limit (MRL) in milk, but not all these compounds were detected at their respective MRL. The detection of cefalexin (detection capability = 6000 µg kg^?1; MRL = 100 µg kg^?1) and penethamate (detection capability = 80 µg kg^?1; MRL = 4 µg kg^?1) was especially poor, and also ceftiofur was only detected from 500 µg kg^?1 (MRL = 100 µg kg^?1). The repeatability of the reader and of the test was very good. The test was very robust: test results were not significantly influenced by small changes in the test protocol, by the milk composition or by the type of milk. The test was also suitable to test the milk of animal species other than cow. Favourable results were obtained in testing monitoring samples, in two national ring trials, and in an international proficiency test. The βeta-s.t.a.r. 1 + 1 is a very fast, simple, and reliable test that could be used at the farm level to prevent tanker milk contamination by β-lactams.     

Simultaneous determination of type A,B and D trichothecenes and their occurrence in cereals and cereal products

A sensitive LC–MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of type A, B and D trichothecenes in cereals is presented. The limits of detection ranged between 0.1 and 0.7 µg kg^?1 for all analytes. The method was applied to 289 representatively drawn samples of wheat, rye and oat products. Ninety-four percent of the wheat samples (n = 130), 95% of the rye samples (n = 61) and 100% of the oat samples (n = 98) were contaminated with the type A trichothecenes T-2 and HT-2 toxin. Median levels of T-2/HT-2 (sum of the toxins) were 0.91, 0.53 and 8.2 µg kg^?1, respectively. Highest levels were found in wheat bran (24 µg kg^?1), rye kernels (3.1 µg kg^?1) and oat flakes (85 µg kg^?1). All wheat and rye samples and 75% of the oat samples were contaminated with the type B trichothecene deoxynivalenol. Median levels of this toxin were 23, 15 and 0.53 µg kg^?1, respectively. Highest levels were found in wheat bran (1160 µg kg^?1), rye kernels (288 µg kg^?1) and oat flakes (55 µg kg^?1). The type B trichothecene nivalenol was detected in 67% of the wheat samples, in 3% of the rye samples and in 24% of the oat samples with highest levels in wheat bran (96 µg kg^?1), rye kernels (1.8 µg kg^?1) and in oat flakes (17 µg kg^?1), respectively. Levels of other type A and B trichothecenes played a minor role, although the rates of contamination were often high. Neither macrocyclic type D trichothecenes (satratoxin G and H, verrucarin A, roridin A) nor diacetylverrucarol and verrucarol (type A trichothecenes), were detected in any of the samples.     

Validation of a commercial receptor kit Sulfasensor® Honey for the screening of sulfonamides in honey according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC

The Sulfasensor® Honey kit is a receptor test dedicated to the screening of sulphonamide residues respectively in different matrices. The aim of this project was to evaluate and validate this kit according to the Community Reference Laboratory (CRL) guideline for the validation of screening methods to achieve the French control plan for honey. The test is robust, quick (90?min for 40 samples), easy to perform and easy to read. The false-positive rate was estimated to be 12.5%. The detection capabilities CCβ of the kit were lower than or equal to 25?µg?kg^?1 for sulfamethazine, sulfamerazine, sulfathiazole and sulfapyridine, and between 25 and 50?µg?kg^?1 for sulfadiazine and sulfadimethoxine, 150?µg?kg^?1 for sulfaquinoxaline, and 1000?µg?kg^?1 for sulfamethoxazole and sulfamethizole. Sulfanilamide was not detected by the kit. The kit was applicable to a wide variety of honeys (different floral and geographical origins, liquid or solid). This kit was used to implement the French control plan for the detection of antibiotic residues in honey in 2010 in parallel with an HPLC method. However, in 2011 the kit was replaced by an LC-MS/MS method for the screening and confirmation of sulfonamide residues in honey, which detects all the sulfonamides of interest.     

Occurrence of furan in commercial processed foods in Brazil

Selected commercial processed foods available in the Brazilian market (306 samples) were analysed for furan content using a validated gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method preceded by headspace solid phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME-GC/MS). Canned and jarred foods, including vegetable, meat, fruit and sweet products, showed levels up to 32.8?µg?kg^?1, with the highest concentrations observed in vegetables and meats. For coffee, furan content ranged from 253.0 to 5021.4?µg?kg^?1 in the roasted ground coffee and from not detected to 156.6?µg?kg^?1 in the beverage. For sauces, levels up to 138.1?µg?kg^?1 were found. In cereal-based products, the highest concentrations (up to 191.3?µg?kg^?1) were observed in breakfast cereal (corn flakes), cracker (cream crackers) and biscuit (wafer). In general, these results are comparable with those reported in other countries and will be useful for a preliminary estimate of the furan dietary intake in Brazil.