Methods for Determining Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Milk: A Review

Abstract

This review aims to compile and present information on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in milk, their effects on human health, relevant legal regulations, and methods for their detection. PAHs are hazardous environmental pollutants that can accumulate in milk due to their lipophilicity and feed, water, and grass contamination. Also, high-temperature processing in the milk industry can contribute to their formation. PAHs are recognized for their carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic properties, posing significant risks to human health. Milk presents a unique analytical challenge as a complex matrix; the fats where hydrophobic PAHs tend to accumulate are “trapped” within the membranes of casein micelles. This complexity makes the extraction and analysis of PAHs more demanding than other food matrices. Developments in chromatographic techniques provide effective methods for detecting PAHs in milk, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. The proper planning of research and the use of these techniques will lead to accurate results. This review focuses specifically on methods for extracting and isolating PAHs from milk, and instrumental methods for their detection and quantification. Such a review may be valuable for researchers looking for methods to analyze PAHs in milk and dairy products.

Keywords

• detection methods
• liquid chromatography
• gas chromatography
• food processing
• extraction methods
• milk