In this work, a HPLC method was validated for the determina-
tion of formaldehyde in three different food matrices (mango,
milk and fish), and the overall uncertainty budget was measured.
The method is fit-for-purpose and would be suitable as reference
method to estimate formaldehyde in different foodstuffs. One of
the main advantages of this method is its applicability to a range
of food matrices. The method is specific, linear, precise and
robust. The method was used to conduct a limited market survey including a range of fruits, vegetables, milk, fish and fish
feed. Levels of formaldehyde found in the samples were lower
than those reported in other works. This study provides further
data on the formaldehyde content of other food products not
analyzed previously. These and levels reported in other works
(Table 3) could be used by
policymakers or inspectors to regulate adulteration. However, naturally high levels of formaldehyde
in some food commodities, such as fish or mushrooms, make
discern between natural and illegally added formaldehyde
difficult.
Strict inspections at the retailer level and all along the supply
chain need to be undertaken to prevent the misuse of this hazardous chemical in food. Inspectors could target areas where food is stored or sold. Additional law enforcement during production,
transport, storage, import, use and sales of hazardous chemicals
is needed to avoid the misuse of these substances in foods.