ALMSCO International, a division of Markes International Ltd, today
announced a new high definition GC/MS method enabling scientists to
screen for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as pesticides at
trace levels in complex apple matrices, without dependence on extensive
sample clean-up. The new method, which is one component of ALMSCO's
extensive food safety offering, is designed to offer optimal sensitivity
without comprising speed of analyses and selectivity. This application
is detailed in a poster entitled "Environmental and food safety
screening of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) by GC(xGC)/TOF MS
without dependence on extensive sample clean-up", and is available
via www.ALMSCO.com.
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including pesticides and
dioxins, are chemical compounds produced by human activity and are
widely distributed in the environment by natural processes, persisting
for many years after forming. POPs become more concentrated as they move
up the food chain and food is therefore the most common source of human
exposure to these dangerous substances. Pesticides are often used to
prevent, destroy and control pests on food crops and can leave residues
on agricultural products. This poses a risk to consumers and consumption
can result in effects ranging from short-term health problems such as
headaches and dizziness to long-term damage to the nervous system and,
in some cases, cancer.
Continuous monitoring of pesticides in food is key in controlling
exposure and facilitating regulatory compliance. Traditionally, in food
industries and quality control (QC) laboratories samples can be rapidly
and quantitatively screened for compliance in fast analytical cycles by
using triple quadrupole GC/MS. However, when bringing new MRM methods
online or adding more compounds to existing methods, it can be difficult
to analyse for new and potentially toxic compounds in complex matrices.
High definition GC/MS technology, such as ALMSCO International's
Bench-top time of flight (TOF) BenchTOF-dx
TM, has emerged as a powerful
and cost-effective technique for selective, sensitive and precise
detection of low level pesticides in food samples. The new method
developed by ALMSCO analyses pesticides in a complex apple matrix and
enables analysts to screen for both known and unknown compounds at much
lower levels with a high degree of definition and clarity. Sample
components can be clearly identified, quantified and differentiated from
one another, while also retaining the required attributes of speed and
selectivity. With modern high definition GC/MS technology, samples can
be prepared more quickly and analysed with higher throughput, while also
fulfilling regulatory requirements.
In this method, researchers analysed 23 pesticides in a complex apple
matrix using the GC/TOF technology. The results show that a BenchTOF-dx
platform enables extraction at sub unit mass, substantially reducing
matrix effects. When combined with comprehensive GCxGC technology, sub
unit mass extraction offers the possibility to further extend the list
of analytes that can be screened in a single analysis within a given
time. This method enables high performance and productivity pesticide
analysis and the sensitivity of the BenchTOF-dx removes the need for
extensive sample clean-up. Enhanced productivity is especially
beneficial in cases of increased sample demands, for example during a
food safety crisis. The launch of this application highlights ALMSCO's
expertise in food safety testing.
For further information on ALMSCO's food safety offering or the ALMSCO International range of products, please visit
www.ALMSCO.com, email
enquiries@ALMSCO.com or phone +44 (0)1443 230935.
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