
Furan
Furan is a chemical compound that forms naturally in some foods during cooking, especially at high temperatures, such as frying or roasting. It is produced when certain sugars and amino acids in food react through a process called thermal decomposition. Furan is considered a potential health concern because studies suggest it may have carcinogenic effects in animals, and there is ongoing research about its safety in humans. While small amounts of furan can be found in everyday foods like baked or canned items, regulatory agencies monitor its levels to ensure food safety, and efforts are made to minimize its formation during food processing.