Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons content and fatty acids profile in coconut, safflower, evening primrose and linseed oils

Author(s)

da Silva, Simone Alves ^{[1, 2]} ; da Silva Torres, Elizabeth A. F. ^[1] ; de Almeida, Adriana Palma ^[2] ; Sampaio, Geni Rodrigues ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Publ Hlth, Dept Nutr, Ave Doutor Arnaldo 715, BR-01246904 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Adolfo Lutz Inst, Contaminant Ctr, Organ Contaminant Core, Ave Doutor Arnaldo 355, BR-01246000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Food Chemistry; v. 245, p. 798-805, APR 15 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 10

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contamination of commercial vegetable oils and examined the identity through the fatty acids profiles. Coconut, safflower, evening primrose, and linseed oils marketed in Sao Paulo (Brazil) were investigated totaling 69 samples. Four PAHs, benzo{[}a] anthracene (BaA), chrysene (Chr), benzo{[}b] fluoranthene (BbF), and benzo{[}a] pyrene (BaP), were detected in 96% of the samples at individual levels ranging from not detected to 14.99 mu g kg(-1). Chrysene was the abundant hydrocarbon found among all types of oils, with the highest median values. The results of the fatty acid profiles revealed that 43% showed different profiles according to the ones on their labels, with a higher incidence of adulteration of evening primrose oils. The maximum tolerable limits by European Regulation No. 835/2011 were exceeded for BaP in 12%, and for total 4 PAHs in 28%, with a greater contribution of adulterated samples. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/12604-0 - Cold-pressed vegetable oils: evaluation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and characteristics of identity and quality
• Grantee: Elizabeth Aparecida Ferraz da Silva Torres
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants