Process Contaminants in Food

Furan is a chemical contaminant that forms in some foods during traditional heat treatment techniques, such as cooking, jarring, and canning. FDA has developed a method for quantitative furan measurements, surveyed furan levels in food, and conducted toxicology studies of furan in rodents.

Overview

• Regulatory Report: Acrylamide, Furan and the FDA June 2007

Action Plan

• FDA Action Plan for Furan in Food September 1, 2005

Methodology

• Determination of Furan in Foods October 27, 2006
• Method Ruggedness October 27, 2006

Furan Survey Data

• Exploratory Data on Furan in Food: Individual Food Products September 21, 2009

Exposure Assessments

• An Updated Exposure Assessment for Furan from the Consumption of Adult and Baby Foods April 18, 2007

Consumer Information

• Questions and Answers on the Occurrence of Furan in Food May 7, 2004

Other Links

• Furan in Food, Thermal Treament; Request for Data and Information Federal Register, May 10, 2004

Other Government Sources of Information

• Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB): Determination of Furan in Alcoholic Beverages