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.
• protocols ISO 17993, ISO 15753, or EN 16619, 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.

Matrices involved

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's 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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