Assay of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (furfuraldehyde)

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.

is 5-HMF testing 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 degradation product

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 detectionrecommendations Codex Alimentarius control standards DGCCRF 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.

Matrices involved

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's 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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