PAH
Polyclyc Aromatics Hydrocarbons
Presentation
Polycylic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds whose cyclic structure includes at least two aromatic rings.
These compounds are widely studied because they are compounds present in all environmental media and which show a high toxicity, in particular benzo [a] pyrene which is a carcinogenic and genotoxic substance.
Their origin in food is explained by:
- Environmental pollution (case of bivalve molluscs which become contaminated by filtration of sea water),
- Smoking or cooking processes (case of barbecue meat).
Maximum levels in food are governed in Europe by several regulations.
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