Analytical methods for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in food and the environment needed for new food legislation in the European Union

This article gives an overview on current European Union (EU) legislation on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and analytical methods for official control of food and environmental samples. It aims to highlight the discrepancy in the approaches for legislation and analysis and the need for harmonization between these fields as both are linked. It describes the actions taken within the EU in setting up an on-line monitoring database for food products, proficiency tests and method-validation studies.