Presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in woody chips used as adjuvant in wines, vinegars and distillates

Samples of 15 commercially available batches of wood chips, used in alcoholic beverage industry, were extracted and analyzed for their content in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Total amounts of PAHs varying between 0.96 and 15.1 ng/g of wood were found, with medium to low MW compounds being mainly present. Carcinogenic benzo[a]pyrene was found in such a value, however, not alarming if maximum mandatory levels in food are considered.PAHs content in chips was unaffected by wood origin, size or toasting level while further investigations dealing with phenomena occurring during the wood seasoning could be necessary.