Quantificação de cianeto em alimentos amazônicos como ferramenta para análise de risco

Abstract

Cassava and by-products are staple foods in several countries and the possible presence of cyanide (HCN) in their composition is a health hazard to be monitored. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to quantify the cyanide content in tapioca starch obtained at market fairs in the city of Manaus (Amazonas, Brazil) and the ready-to-eat product, tapioca. In addition, starch was submitted to heat treatment (150-160 ºC) and evaluated after preparation by colorimetric reaction and spectrophotometry. All samples (n=30) obtained positive results for cyanide in starch (before heating) with an average of 0.3008 mgHCN/kg. However, after preparation, cyanide levels reduced to 0.1475 mgHCN/kg, decreasing by 51%. Thus, we can conclude that the heating under the applied conditions likely reduced cyanide in the tapioca and the food studied is safe for consumption.