A large number of toxic substances, such as pesticides, antibiotics and toxins, of varying origin and toxicity to human health are found in food. These compounds are frequently present at low concentration levels in very complex matrices, so sensitive, selective methodologies are needed for their analysis. Due to the chemical properties of these compounds, liquid chromatography (LC) is the separation technique of choice and the coupling to mass spectrometry (MS) provides the sensitivity and selectivity required. This article reviews the state of the art of LC–tandem MS (LC–MS/MS) for the analysis of organic toxics in food products. We also address instrumental aspects, such as ionization sources and analyzers, as well as confirmation and quantitation procedures. Moreover, we discuss the application of LC–MS/MS to compounds, such as pesticides, antibiotics, substances generated in cooking, and toxins in a range of food products.

LC¿MS/MS analysis of organic toxics in food

Rapid pretreatment-free immunochromatographic assay of chloramphenicol in milk

Chloramphenicol binding to human serum albumin: Determination of binding constants and binding sites by steady-state fluorescence

Total determination of chloramphenicol residues in foods by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Quantitative determination of chloramphenicol in milk powders by isotope dilution liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.

A rapid confirmatory liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometic method was developed for determination of chloramphenicol in bovine milk. Chloramphenicol was extracted directly from milk by solid-phase extraction on a C18 cartridge. The extract was further cleaned up on neutral aluminium oxide. Three transition products were monitored in negative ion mode after atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. The detection capability related to the transition product of lowest abundance was 0.03 microg/kg. The mean recovery was 90% at levels of 0.1-0.2 microg/kg. The relative repeatability standard deviations were 4.3, 3.8, and 2.8% at levels of 0.1, 0.2, and 1.0 microg/kg, respectively.

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Tina H Elbaek

Papers

Determination of chloramphenicol in bovine milk by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.