4. Conclusions
A quick and direct method of determination of HMF in corn and cane syrup samples has been developed and validated. The chromatographic method can be applied in routine analysis in food quality laboratories due to its excellent analytical performance (good selectivity, linearity, precision and accuracy and low limits of detection and quantification). Results showed that the HMF concentration in Brazilian corn and cane syrup samples are very high, and this arouses concern
about food safety of these products. These facts emphasize the importance of conducting researches concerning the HMF distribution in other foods, especially in Brazil, where data remain scarce. These data are necessary to help the food industry or small producers to take actions (preventive and interventional) to reduce the HMF content in foods produced in the country