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10.06.2020 - Foods

BLL: BfR publishes updated questions and answers catalog on furan in food

Furan is a volatile compound that can be formed when heating food. Especially processed foods as well as roasted foods such as coffee or nuts can be contaminated with high levels of furan.

According to the BfR, high doses of furan cause cancer. This has been demonstrated in long-term studies with rats and mice. Exactly how furan causes cancer in animal experiments is not yet fully understood.

Furthermore, there is currently no information regarding the effects of furan on humans. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), a genotoxic-carcinogenic mechanism of action cannot be ruled out.

Since a threshold derivation is currently not possible for genotoxic-carcinogenic substances, the EFSA has not set a tolerable daily intake for furan.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct furan analysis. We provide you with fast and reliable results.
Our customer advisors are happy to assist you with any questions.

Source: BLL: Press Release L-366-2020, www.bfr.bund.de