QuEChERS Method: A Safer and Faster Way to Detect Harmful Compounds in Food
In today’s health-conscious world, people are increasingly focusing on fitness and nutrition. While fruits and vegetables are widely consumed for their health benefits, they can sometimes contain harmful contaminants. In addition, common cooking methods such as grilling, roasting, frying, and smoking may lead to the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These compounds, made up of multiple fused aromatic rings, are known to include carcinogenic substances that pose significant risks to human health.
To safeguard consumers, it is essential to extract and detect PAHs in food with accuracy and efficiency. Conventional extraction methods, such as solid-phase, liquid-liquid, and accelerated solvent extraction, are often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and environmentally unfriendly. To address these challenges, researchers are turning to the QuEChERS method—an approach designed to be Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe. This technique reduces extraction time, improves recovery, and ensures higher reliability in detecting harmful chemicals.
A recent study led by Professor Joon-Goo Lee and his team at Seoul National University of Science and Technology applied the QuEChERS method to detect eight specific PAHs in food. Using acetonitrile for extraction and purification through various sorbents, the team demonstrated excellent accuracy. The calibration curves for all eight PAHs showed high linearity (R² > 0.99), and recoveries ranged between 86% and 109% across different concentrations.
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry confirmed extremely low detection and quantification limits, with precision values well within acceptable ranges. The study highlights that QuEChERS is not only efficient but also environmentally friendly, reducing the use of hazardous solvents.
According to Prof. Lee, this approach can improve food safety management, cut costs, and enhance worker safety. By making detection faster and more reliable, the QuEChERS method holds promise for better protecting public health worldwide.
