Occurrence of organic contaminants in açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) pulp and sorbets: development and validation of analytical methods

Abstract

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) is the third most produced fruit in Brazil, with the State of São Paulo being the largest consumer market for açaí pulps that are sold outside the State of Pará - the largest national producer. Due to the increased consumption of açaí pulps and sorbets in plastic packaging, concerns are raised about the occurrence of contaminants with potential risks to human health, including aromatic amines (Primary Aromatic Amines (PAAs) and melamine) and Benzophenones (BPs), in addition to other contaminants such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), usually resulting from thermal processes. Given this information, the objective of this study will be to develop and validate analytical methods to assess the occurrence of PAHs, BPs, PAAs and melamine in açaí pulps and sorbets sold in plastic packaging by means of gas and liquid chromatography, coupled with mass spectrometers (GC-MS and LC-MS/MS), combined with optimized selective and sensitive analytical techniques for sample preparation. Thus, regulatory bodies that investigate and stipulate limits for contaminants in food, as well as the food industrial sector, may benefit from the data generated in this research, to subsidize preventive and/or corrective actions. (AU)