QuEChERS method development for the GC–MS analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in food

The determination of eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in food was performed using a QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method, followed by GC–MS. PAHs were extracted using acetonitrile, followed by purification using various methods involving different combinations of sorbents. The validation was conducted using a variety of food matrices. Calibration curves for the 8 PAHs demonstrated remarkable linearity (R² > 0.99). The limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.006 to 0.035 µg/kg, and the limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.019 to 0.133 µg/kg. In all food matrices, recoveries ranged from 86.3 to 109.6% at 5 µg/kg, 87.7 to 100.1% at 10 µg/kg, and 89.6 to 102.9% at 20 µg/kg, with precision values between 0.4 and 6.9%. In different food matrices, the highest levels were observed in soybean oil, followed by duck meat and canola oil.