GC Determination of Free Formaldehyde in Wooden Food Contacting Materials

A method of GC was applied to the determination of free formaldehyde in wooden food contacting materials. Sample was extracted with water, the extract obtained was derivitized with 2,4-dinitrophenyldrazine. The derivate was extracted with n-hexane and used for GC analysis. The SPB-5 column (15 m×0.32 mm, 0.25 μm) was used for separation, and electron capture detector was used for determination. Value of limit of detection (3S/N) found was 0.50 mg·kg-1. Tests for recovery and precision were made by standard addition method at 3 concentration levels, values of recovery and RSD′s (n=6) found were in the ranges of 72%-110% and 6.4%-13%.