5-hydroxymethylfurfural (furfuraldehyde) determination

5 -Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) (CAS No. 67-47-0), also known as furfuraldehyde , is a sugar degradation product formed during Maillard or caramelization . It serves as an indicator of the thermal quality and aging of foodstuffs.

5-HMF testing is commonly used to assess the freshness and stability of sweetened products such as honey, fruit juices, syrups, or plant extracts. An excessively high concentration of 5-HMF may indicate overheating , prolonged storage, or product degradation.

Analytical methods: HPLC and LC-MS

The quantification of 5-HMF is carried out using highly sensitive chromatographic methods:

• HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) : reference method for the precise quantification of 5-HMF in food and plant matrices.
• LC-MS (liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) : a highly specific technique enabling the detection of traces of 5-HMF in complex samples, even at levels below mg/kg.

These methods guarantee reliable and reproducible detection , in accordance with Codex Alimentarius DGCCRF control standards for honeys and sugar-based products.

Industrial and regulatory applications

5-HMF analysis is essential for many sectors:

• Agri-food : monitoring the quality and aging of sweet products (honeys, jams, juices, syrups).
• Nutraceutical : control of plant extracts rich in sugars or heat-sensitive polyphenols.
• Medicinal plants : evaluation of the stability of extracts subjected to thermal processes.
• Phytotherapy and natural cosmetics : measuring the degradation of bioactive compounds in liquid preparations.

5 -HMF is also monitored as part of the control of newly formed contaminants and the quality traceability of raw materials .

This analysis can be complemented by the measurement of furfural or hydroxymethylfuran for a complete thermal degradation profile .

Affected matrices

YesWeLab's partner laboratories perform 5-HMF assays on:

• Honeys, syrups, jams, caramels
• Fruit juices, wines, plant extracts
• Dietary supplements and plant-based powders
• Aqueous or hydroalcoholic solutions produced by thermal processes

Each method is adapted to the matrix , the required detection threshold and the regulatory criteria specific to your sector.

YesWeLab expertise

At YesWeLab , we collaborate with a network of over 200 partner laboratories in France and Europe , accredited to ISO 17025 and COFRAC , specializing in chromatographic analyses and food quality control .

Our scientific team guides you in choosing the analytical method , the most suitable laboratory , and provides complete tracking of your samples via our digital platform . You benefit from a centralized, fast, and traceable , from the quote to the receipt of results.

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting agri-food manufacturers, honey producers, supplement manufacturers and R&D laboratories in their quality and compliance analyses.

Order a 5-HMF (furfuraldehyde) analysis

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