The application of headspace gas chromatography coupled to tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry for the analysis of furan in baby food samples

• SRM mode was found to be more sensitive and selective in comparison with SIM mode.
• The pH values and Brix content in the samples might impact the formation of furan.
• The study reports data on the occurrence of furan in baby foods in Latvia.

Selective methodology employing a tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer coupled to a gas chromatograph with headspace autosampler (HS-GC–MS/MS) was elaborated in this study. Application of the elaborated procedure resulted in a limit of detection of 0.021 μg kg−1 and a limit of quantification of 0.071 μg kg−1. The mean recoveries during in-house validation ranged from 89% to 109%, and coefficients of variation for repeatability ranged from 4% to 11%. The proposed analytical method was applied for monitoring the furan content of 30 commercial baby food samples available on the Latvian retail market. The level of furan found in these samples varied from 0.45 to 81.9 μg kg−1, indicating that infants whose sole diet comprises baby food sold in jars and cans are exposed constantly to furan. Samples containing vegetables and meat had higher levels of furan than those containing only fruits.