title: Ethyl carbamate levels in selected fermented foods and beverages.
abstract: Ethyl carbamate (EC), also known as urethane, is an animal carcinogen and a by-product of fermentation. Because EC has been found in distilled spirits and wines, a variety of fermented foods and beverages were analyzed to assess its occurrence in other products. Previously described methods using a gas chromatograph-thermal energy analyzer with a nitrogen converter were modified for each matrix and gave recoveries of greater than 80%, with a limit of detection in the 1-2 micrograms/kg (ppb) range. A total of 152 test samples were analyzed; EC levels ranged from none found to 3 ppb in 15 cheeses, 6 teas, 12 yogurts, and 8 ciders; from none found to 13 ppb in 30 breads and 69 malt beverages; and from none found to 84 ppb in 12 soy sauces. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry was used to confirm EC identity and to quantitate EC in selected food extracts.
authors.affiliation: Food and Drug Administration, Division of Food Chemistry and Technology, Washington, DC 20204.
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Canas
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Havery
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.forename: F L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Joe
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Diachenko
mesh_terms: D000434:Alcoholic Beverages / Q000032:analysis; D001628:Beverages / Q000032:analysis*; D001939:Bread / Q000032:analysis; D004563:Electrochemistry; D005285:Fermentation; D005504:Food Analysis; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D014520:Urethane / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D014520:Urethane