Hexane residues detected in everyday foods: French investigation raises concerns

A recent investigation in France has unveiled troubling findings regarding the presence of hexane, a petroleum-derived solvent, in various animal products and oils commonly consumed by the public. This study involved analyses carried out by two independent laboratories (the Joint Measurement Center of the University of the Opal Coast and a private testing facility). The results indicated that nearly half of the 54 food products tested, including oils, margarines, butter, eggs, and chicken, contained detectable levels of hexane residues.  

Hexane is primarily used in the food industry to efficiently extract oils from seeds such as soybeans, sunflowers, and rapeseeds. Although this extraction process is cost-effective, it can leave behind residues of hexane in the oils, which may subsequently enter the food chain. The investigation revealed that 25 out of the 54 products sampled showed hexane contamination, raising alarms about the widespread nature of this issue.  

In a related study, researchers at INRAE (the French National Institute for Agricultural, Food and Environmental Research) provided scientific backing for how hexane can infiltrate animal products. Their research demonstrated that cows fed with animal feed containing hexane residues produced milk that also contained traces of the solvent. This marks the first evidence of hexane transferring directly from feed to dairy products, emphasizing the potential for contamination beyond just plant-based foods.  

The implications of these findings are significant. Hexane is known to be neurotoxic and may act as an endocrine disruptor, potentially impacting human health. While the dangers of inhaling hexane in industrial settings are well-documented, the risks associated with dietary exposure are still under investigation, prompting health authorities to reconsider existing safety guidelines.  

The study found hexane residues in a range of products, including some organic oils, which should theoretically be free from such contaminants. Additionally, the study suggests that the problem extends beyond conventional seed oils to include animal products derived from livestock fed with hexane-treated feed.

Regulatory bodies, particularly the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), are now urged to reassess the current limits on hexane residues in food. At present, the European Directive 2009/32/EC outlines maximum residue limits that vary by food type, but these may need to be revisited in light of the recent findings, which reveal a broader scope of contamination than previously recognized.  

Advocates for food safety are calling for a complete ban on the use of hexane in oil extraction processes, proposing the adoption of safer and more sustainable alternatives that are already available. Additionally, there are demands for clearer food labeling practices that would inform consumers about the presence of hexane in food products.    

Source:  

RadioFrance