A method was developed for analysing carrots (Daucus carota) for 15 polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Recovery of PAHs from carrot samples was high, generally in the range 80 - 100 %. Carrots appear to have highest ∑PAH concentrations in their peel, with a decreasing load moving into the root. ∑PAH concentrations are generally below 200 μg/kg (dry weight) with the low molecular weight PAHs being the most abundant. PAH content was found to differ with packaging, while boiling reduced the PAH content by ∼60%. In the UK the average annual consumption of PAHs associated with carrots is estimated to be ∼110 μg.