Filenews 6 December 2025
The importance of a balanced diet for health is indisputable, as fruits, vegetables and nutritious foods contribute to the proper functioning of the body and protect against disease. However, experts emphasize that even these "healthy" foods can sometimes hide invisible chemicals that can be harmful.
A particularly worrying group of such substances are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). They are associated with environmental pollution but also with certain cooking methods, such as frying and grilling, where they are created at very high temperatures. Some of these compounds are considered carcinogenic, making them a significant health risk.
A new, more efficient detection technique
Until recently, the detection of PAHs in food required complex and time-consuming laboratory procedures, with heavy use of chemicals, increasing costs and environmental burden.
In recent years, however, scientists have had access to the QuEChERS technique – a method that is fast, easy, economical and reliable. It allows for the efficient "extraction" of suspicious substances from food, speeding up control, improving accuracy, and reducing environmental impact.
What the new research revealed
In a study published in Food Science and Biotechnology, researchers from Seoul National University of Science and Technology used QuEChERS to detect 8 dangerous PAH compounds associated with an increased risk of cancer.
The results were particularly positive: the method detected even minimal amounts of these substances in various foods.
"This technique simplifies the analysis process, without losing its high efficiency," said the head of the research, Professor Joon-Goo Lee, noting that it can be applied to many different types of food, greatly facilitating control.
What it means for consumers
Wider use of QuEChERS could enhance the safety of food that reaches our table.
• Inspections will be faster and more reliable
• Food businesses will reduce costs
• Laboratories will use fewer hazardous chemicals, helping to protect the environment
"Our work supports healthier food systems and better public health outcomes," added Professor Lee, stressing that the method helps to identify and treat contamination faster.
This new approach highlights how scientific innovation can directly improve food quality and safety.
QuEChERS represents a significant upgrade in the detection of carcinogenic compounds, contributing to a safer nutritional future for all.
