A method is for the preparation of furoic acid or of one of its derivatives of formula (I): in which R1, R2, R3 and R4 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom, a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group, a —C(═O)—H group or a —COOH group, by heterogeneous catalytic oxidation of furfural or a derivative thereof of formula (II). The oxidation is carried out in the presence of a supported catalyst based on gold nanoparticles, and in a non-alkaline aqueous medium. A composition useful in the method includes at least furfural and supported gold nanoparticles.