Lowri S. De Jager

Analysis of tetramethylene disulfotetramine in foods using solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

An automated solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) method for the determination of tetramethylene disulfotetramine in foods was developed. A comparison of direct immersion (DI) and headspace (HS) extraction techniques using a 70microm carbowax/divinylbenzene (CW/DVB) fiber is presented. The optimized DI-SPME method provided an aqueous extraction limit of detection (LOD) of 9.0ng/g while the HS-SPME LOD was 2.7ng/g. In both SPME modes, recovery was highly matrix dependent and quantification requires standard addition calibrations. Analysis of foods using DI-SPME encountered many obstacles including fiber fouling, low recovery and poor reproducibility. HS-SPME was successfully applied to food analysis with minimal interferences. Standard addition calibration curves for foods gave high linearity (R2>0.98), reproducibility (RSD<12%) and sensitivity with LODs ranging from 0.9 to 4.3ng/g.

Comparison of membrane assisted solvent extraction, stir bar sorptive extraction, and solid phase microextraction in analysis of tetramine in food

Three environmentally friendly extraction techniques, membrane assisted solvent extraction (MASE), stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE), and headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME), were compared for the direct analysis of the highly toxic rodenticide tetramine in food. The optimized MASE method was applied to seven foods fortified with tetramine and compared to previously reported SBSE and HS-SPME results. Parameters such as the standard addition linearity (MASE (0.964-0.999), SBSE (0.966-0.999), HS-SPME (0.955-0.999)), recovery (MASE (12-86%), SBSE (36-130%), HS-SPME (50-200%)), reproducibility (MASE (3.0-30%), SBSE (4.4-9.6%), HS-SPME (1-12%)), and LOD (MASE (1.6-6.4 ng/g), SBSE (0.2-2.1 ng/g), HS-SPME (0.9-4.3 ng/g)) were compared.

Simultaneous determination of steviol and steviol glycosides by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

A direct, versatile method for the determination of steviol and nine steviol glycosides in food products has been developed by using electrospray ionisation liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in the negative-ion mode. Ten stevia compounds were readily separated on an amino column by using a gradient separation. Data for analyte quantification were collected in the selected ion monitoring mode, giving the method limit of detection of 0.01–0.34u2009µgu2009g−1 and repeatability at the limit of quantitation of 2%–15% relative standard deviation. Thirty-four commercially available food products were tested by using the optimised method, and in these products rebaudioside A and stevioside comprised 52%–100% of the total steviol glycosides. Multiple reaction monitoring data were collected to provide analyte confirmation. Stability data for rebaudioside A stored at room temperature, 40°C and 60°C over a period of 1–14 days are shown.

Stir bar sorptive extraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of tetramethylene disulfotetramine in food: Method development and comparison to solid-phase microextraction

A stir bar sorptive extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SBSE-GC-MS) method for the determination of tetramethylene disulfotetramine is presented. The limits of detection (LOD) of the optimized method was 0.2ngg(-1) for extractions from water and 0.3-2.1ngg(-1) for extractions from foods. Recovery was highly matrix dependent (36-130%) and quantification required standard addition calibrations. Standard addition calibration lines had high linearity (R(2)>0.97) and replicate extractions had good reproducibility (R.S.D.=4.4-9.8%). A comparison of the SBSE method and a previously developed headspace (HS)-solid-phase microextraction (SPME) method was performed. Generally, SBSE provided higher sensitivity with decreased analysis time.

A novel method for the simultaneous determination of 14 sweeteners of regulatory interest using UHPLC-MS/MS

An improved, efficient, sensitive method for the determination of 14 non-nutritive sweeteners in food products was developed using electrospray ionisation (ESI) ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) in the negative-ion mode. Fourteen sweeteners and three internal standards were separated on a reversed-phase UHPLC column using a simple gradient programme. Analyte quantitation and confirmation were performed with data collection in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Limits of detection (LODs) were determined in a representative drink, candy and yogurt sample and ranged from 0.1 to 1.8 ng ml–1 (drinks) and from 0.1 to 2.5 ng g–1 (candy and yogurt). Repeatability at the limit of quantitation (LOQ) ranged from 1% to 13% relative standard deviation (RSD). Twenty-seven commercially available food products were tested using the optimised method showing that the majority of products contained sweetener concentrations below their assigned maximum usable dose. Recovery studies were performed and accuracy data are presented.

Comparison of multiple methods for the determination of sulphite in Allium and Brassica vegetables

ABSTRACTSulphites are a family of additives regulated for use worldwide in food products. They must be declared on the label if they are present in concentrations greater than 10xa0mgxa0kg–1, determined as sulphur dioxide (SO2). The current US regulatory method for sulphites, the optimised Monier–Williams method (OMW), produces false-positive results with vegetables from the Allium (garlic) and Brassica (cabbage) genera due to extraction conditions that are thought to cause endogenous sulphur compounds to release SO2. Recently, modifications to the OMW method (2x MW) were published that reportedly reduced this false-positive in garlic. However, no other vegetables from these genera have been investigated. In addition, an LC-MS/MS method was developed for sulphite analysis, but it has not yet been tested with these problematic matrices. Ten vegetable species were analysed using these sulphite methods (OMW titration, OMW gravimetric, 2x MW and LC-MS/MS) to determine the false-positive rate. Sulphite concentrati...ABSTRACT Sulphites are a family of additives regulated for use worldwide in food products. They must be declared on the label if they are present in concentrations greater than 10 mg kg–1, determined as sulphur dioxide (SO2). The current US regulatory method for sulphites, the optimised Monier–Williams method (OMW), produces false-positive results with vegetables from the Allium (garlic) and Brassica (cabbage) genera due to extraction conditions that are thought to cause endogenous sulphur compounds to release SO2. Recently, modifications to the OMW method (2x MW) were published that reportedly reduced this false-positive in garlic. However, no other vegetables from these genera have been investigated. In addition, an LC-MS/MS method was developed for sulphite analysis, but it has not yet been tested with these problematic matrices. Ten vegetable species were analysed using these sulphite methods (OMW titration, OMW gravimetric, 2x MW and LC-MS/MS) to determine the false-positive rate. Sulphite concentrations > 10 mg kg–1 SO2 were observed with the OMW analyses. The 2x MW method reduced the measured concentration in unsulphited samples to ≤ 10 mg kg–1 SO2 for all matrices analysed. The LC-MS/MS method showed concentrations < 10 mg kg–1 for the Brassica samples, but only displayed a slight reduction in the Allium matrices. Spiked recovery studies were conducted to determine if these methods can detect added sulphite. The 2x MW had recoveries of 17% and 42% for water and fresh garlic, respectively, and the LC-MS/MS had recoveries of 108%, 125%, 116% and 107% for water, fresh garlic, roasted garlic, and hummus, respectively. The low recoveries of the 2x MW may indicate that sulphur compounds cannot be properly quantified with this method. The ability to eliminate false-positives will enable accurate determination of added sulphite to ensure compliance with sulphite labelling requirements.

Investigation of the primary plasticisers present in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products currently authorised as food contact materials

ABSTRACT PVC is a common food contact material that is usually plasticised to increase its flexibility. Phthalates are one class of chemical compounds that are often used as plasticisers in PVC in a wide range of industries. They may be used in packaging materials for foods and can also be found in components of certain food processing equipment such as conveyor belts and tubing. Transfer of plasticisers from packaging to foods can occur. In recent years, there has been increased interest in understanding the health effects of phthalates, as well as the possible human exposure levels. However, there is limited information available about the routes of exposure to phthalates. In July 2014, the Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP) produced a report for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission detailing the potential health hazards of phthalates and phthalate alternatives. This report listed diet as one factor contributing greater than or equal to 10% of total phthalate exposure. As a result of this report, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is interested in determining the types of the primary plasticiser present in food packaging and processing materials as well as their concentrations. An investigation was conducted of 56 different samples of PVC food packaging and food processing materials available in the US market using a solvent extraction and GC-MS analysis. Nine different plasticisers including three phthalates, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, diisononyl phthalate and diisodecyl phthalate, were identified in the products tested. The plasticiser concentrations ranged from 1 to 53% depending on the types of food contact materials and the type of plasticiser. Overall, it appears that manufacturers are switching away from phthalates as their primary plasticiser to alternate compounds such as ESBO, ATBC, DEHT, DINCH, DEHA and DINA.

Determination of Sulfite in Food by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Collaborative Study

Sulfites are added to a wide range of food and beverage products to prevent browning or oxidation. Although most of the population do not experience side effects from consuming sulfites, a small subset has been shown to experience an allergic-like response. For this reason, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that sulfites be labeled on all products that contain more than 10 mg/kg (parts per million) sulfur dioxide. The current regulatory method, optimized Monier-Williams (OMW) Official Method 990.28, has been successful in quantifying sulfites in most matrixes, but is time-consuming and has a method detection limit at the regulatory-labeling threshold. Recently, an LC-tandem MS (MS/MS) method was published that was applicable to a wide range of sulfite-containing matrixes. This method converts free and reversibly bound sulfite to the formaldehyde adduct hydroxymethylsulfonate, which could then be separated from matrix constituents using a hydrophilic interaction LC analytical column and subsequently be detected with tandem MS (MS/MS). In this study, multilaboratory validation was conducted with 11 laboratories in the United States and Canada. Four matrixes were spiked at varying concentrations and three additional commercially sulfited matrixes were included. An abbreviated comparison study between the LC-MS/MS and OMW methods was conducted for select samples. Average recoveries for all matrixes ranged from 86 to 114% with RSDr and RSDR values of 4.5-17.5 and 8.6-22.5%, respectively. Further comparisons will be necessary to draw comparisons between the two methods. This method proved to be a faster and more sensitive way to determine sulfites in food and beverages, showing promise for the continuing improvement of enforcement of sulfite labeling requirements to protect individuals who have sulfite sensitivity.