Influence of different adsorption materials on the removal of ethyl carbamate from Feng-flavor Baijiu

Ethyl carbamate (EC) is a potential gene carcinogen and widely exists in brewing liquor, but EC content in some Chinese Baijiu is higher than the international standard 150 μg/L, which seriously threatens the health and safety of drinking consumers. In this study, different kinds of adsorbent materials were selected to remove EC from Feng-flavor Baijiu, and the adsorption materials with better performance based on EC removal rates, flavor substances loss and sensory evaluation. The results showed that 3 adsorption material: diatomite No. 3, No. 5 and resin D751 were selected, and the corresponding EC removal rates were 24%, 25% and 31%, respectively. Resin D751 had a greater loss of flavor substances in liquor, especially, the loss rates of esters and aldehydes were more than 50%. However, diatomite No.3 and 5 had a smaller loss of flavor substances, the loss rates of esters, alcohols and aldehydes were 11%, 11%, 6% and 2%, 6%, 14%, respectively. According to the sensory evaluation, diatomite No. 3 and No. 5 had little influence on the aroma of the liquor, diatomite No. 5 had better body taste than No. 3. In conclusion, diatomite No. 5 was selected as a suitable adsorbent to remove EC in liquor.