In this present study, free formaldehyde in squid and squid
products was successfully detected with GCeMS. Steam
distillation with acid and derivatization releases both free
formaldehyde and reversibly bound formaldehyde, resulting
in a high reported formaldehyde concentration. Formaldehyde
exposure from the consumption of squid and squid
products in the present study was found to be less than the
0.2 mg/kg/d RfD suggested by the US EPA. Free formaldehyde
content should be employed in food safety monitoring instead
of the sum of the concentrations of free and reversibly bound
formaldehyde. Confirmatory determination of harmful free
formaldehyde with GCeMS could assist in food safety regulations
and alleviate consumer concerns about formaldehyde
levels reported in food.
Naturally occurring free formaldehyde in different foods
should be investigated. With the knowledge that there is
endogenous formaldehyde present in foods, proper regulations
should be put in place against the use of formaldehyde in
food preservation. The monitoring of deliberately added
formaldehyde by using the proper analytical method that only
detects free formaldehyde is very important. During the
manufacturing of squid products, proper attention should be
given to reduce the formaldehyde content in the production
process.