Benzo-(a)-pyrene (BAP) assay

Benzo- (a)-pyrene (B[a]P) (CAS No. 50-32-8) is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) formed during the incomplete combustion of organic matter . Present in trace amounts in the environment, it can contaminate food , oils , packaging , and plastic materials . Classified as a category 1B carcinogen under Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008, it is a major indicator of PAH contamination .

The measurement of benzo-a-pyrene is essential to guarantee the safety of food and industrial products , ensure regulatory compliance and assess the quality of thermal processes (roasting, smoking, roasting, recycling).

Analytical methods: GC-MS and HPLC

The analysis of benzo-(a)-pyrene relies on two high-precision chromatographic methods:

• GC-MS (gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) : used for the detection of PAHs in fatty or solid matrices, with high sensitivity (down to a few µg/kg).
• HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) : reference method for the quantification of B[a]P in edible oils, smoked products and aqueous samples.
• ISO 17993 , ISO 15753 , or EN 16619 protocols , ensuring full traceability of results and their regulatory acceptance .

Industrial and regulatory applications

The measurement of benzo-(a)-pyrene is applicable to many fields:

• Human food : control of PAHs in oils, grilled, smoked, roasted or dried products.
• Nutraceuticals : verification of plant extracts or vegetable oils used in supplements.
• Animal nutrition : control of raw materials derived from recycled fats or oils.
• Materials and packaging : detection of B[a]P in polymers, recycled plastics or coatings in contact with food.
• Environment : monitoring of atmospheric contamination or particulate deposition.

Benzo-(a)-pyrene is subject to maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 , with a typical threshold of 2 µg/kg for edible oils and fats.

This analysis can be complemented by the measurement of total PAHs (16 PAHs from the EPA) for a complete assessment of the contamination profile.

Affected matrices

Our partner laboratories perform benzo-(a)-pyrene assays on various matrices:

• Vegetable oils and animal fats
• Smoked, grilled or roasted products
• Processed foods (cocoa, coffee, cereals, fish, meat)
• Recycled plastics and packaging materials
• Environmental samples (soil, air, soot, ash)

Each protocol is adapted to the matrix , the applicable regulatory threshold and the ISO 17025 accreditation requirements .

YesWeLab expertise

At YesWeLab , we collaborate with a network of over 200 partner laboratories in France, Europe and internationally , specializing in the detection of chemical contaminants and accredited to ISO 17025 and COFRAC .

Our scientific team supports you at every stage: selecting the analytical method , choosing the specialized laboratory , and digitally tracking your analyses via our secure platform . This allows you to centralize your requests , obtain quick quotes , and access your results in real time .

Since 2020, many food, nutraceutical and packaging manufacturers have trusted us for their contaminant and REACH compliance controls .

Order a benzo-(a)-pyrene (BAP) analysis

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