Hydrocyanic Acid

What Is Hydrocyanic Acid?

Hydrocyanic acid, also known as hydrogen cyanide or HCN, is a highly poisonous chemical compound that can occur naturally in various plant-based foods.

In plants, hydrocyanic acid is generally not present as a free compound but is bound in the form of cyanogenic glycosides. When plant tissues are crushed, processed, or digested, these cyanogenic glycosides can be enzymatically broken down, releasing hydrocyanic acid.

Foods and plant-based raw materials that may contain cyanogenic glycosides include:

• Flaxseed
• Sweet almonds and bitter almonds
• Apricot kernels
• Cassava
• Tapioca
• Certain legumes and other plant-based products

The amount of hydrocyanic acid released depends on factors such as the plant species, variety, cultivation conditions, processing, and preparation method.

Why Is Hydrocyanic Acid Testing Important?

Although hydrocyanic acid can occur naturally in food, elevated concentrations may pose a health risk to consumers.

Hydrocyanic acid interferes with cellular respiration by preventing cells from using oxygen effectively. The health assessment of a food product therefore depends on factors including the concentration present, the amount consumed, and the type of product.

Testing is particularly relevant for foods that may naturally contain higher levels of cyanogenic glycosides or that are consumed in processed form. Examples include raw apricot kernels, bitter almonds, flaxseed, and cassava-based products.

Accurate determination of hydrocyanic acid is therefore essential to:

• Assess the safety of foods and raw materials
• Verify compliance with legal maximum levels
• Identify elevated concentrations at an early stage
• Monitor production and processing procedures
• Confirm that products are suitable for sale

Regulatory Requirements

In the European Union, maximum levels specific to individual products apply for hydrocyanic acid. These levels are set out in Regulations (EU) 2023/915 and (EG) 1334/2008, among other places.

The legal requirements apply in particular to foods and ingredients that may naturally contain cyanogenic glycosides. Depending on the product category, different maximum levels and assessment criteria may apply.

Reliable analytical monitoring is therefore an important part of quality assurance and regulatory compliance for manufacturers, importers, and retailers.

Which Products Can Be Tested for Hydrocyanic Acid?

Hydrocyanic acid testing may be relevant for the following samples and product groups:

• Flaxseed and products containing flaxseed
• Apricot kernels and products made from them
• Bitter almonds and almond-containing products
• Cassava and cassava products
• Tapioca and foods containing tapioca
• Plant-based raw materials
• Food supplements
• Baked goods, muesli, and seed mixtures

Whether testing is required depends on the composition, degree of processing, and intended use of the respective product.

How Is Hydrocyanic Acid Analysed?

GALAB analyses hydrocyanic acid using a validated analytical method in accordance with Section 64 of the German Food and Feed Code, LFGB. Determination is performed using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, or HPLC-FLD.

The method enables sensitive and reliable quantification, even at low concentrations. Low limits of quantification allow small amounts to be detected and compliance with legal requirements to be assessed reliably.

Depending on the sample type, the analysis includes suitable sample preparation, the release or collection of hydrocyanic acid, and subsequent chromatographic determination.

Hydrocyanic Acid Analysis at GALAB

GALAB Laboratories supports manufacturers, importers, and retailers in the reliable assessment of their products and raw materials.

Our services include:

• Validated analytical methods in accordance with Section 64 LFGB
• Sensitive HPLC-FLD instrumentation
• Low limits of quantification
• Reliable quantification of hydrocyanic acid
• Analysis of a wide range of foods and plant-based raw materials
• Expert interpretation of analytical results
• Support with the assessment of regulatory requirements

Regular testing of relevant raw materials and products enables companies to identify potential risks at an early stage, verify compliance with applicable maximum levels, and maintain a high level of product safety.

Need Support with Hydrocyanic Acid Testing?

Should you wish to have a food product, raw material or food supplement tested for hydrocyanic acid, our experts will be able to advise you on the most appropriate analytical method, guide you on how to submit your sample, and provide you with expert interpretation of the results.

Get in touch with us.