Development and validation of a solid phase micro-extraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method for the determination of furan in baby-food

An efficient and simple method for the determination of furan in baby-food (vegetables and fruits) by solid phase micro-extraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME–GC–MS) was developed and validated. Experimental design was used to investigate the effects of temperature and time of extraction. The calculated regression model was used to find the experimental conditions providing the optimal SPME extraction yield. Validation was carried out in terms of limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), linearity, precision and trueness. LOD and LOQ values in the low ng kg−1 were achieved, whereas linearity was established over two order of magnitude. Good precision was obtained both in terms of intra-day repeatability and between-day precision on two concentration levels (RSD% lower than 3.6%). Recovery values of 91.5 ± 6.2% and of 96.1 ± 1.3% (n = 3) were calculated at 75 ng kg−1 and 75 μg kg−1 level. Finally, the applicability of the method to the determination of furan in a number of commercial and home-made baby-food samples was demonstrated.