EU priority PAH analysis in pumpkin seed oil by GC/MS/MS

This application note investigatesd pumpkin seed oil, which has a fatty and complex matrix with a high probability for PAH contamination. The fatty acid compositions in pumpkin seed oil include mainly palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. Pumpkin seed oil is produced by toasting pumpkin seeds above 100 °C, and pressing the seeds, using a hydraulic press, into a dark green oil. In addition to the roasting process, the other possibility for PAH contamination in pumpkin seed oil is that there is no refining step, which can drastically decrease the amount of PAHs.