LC-MS based screening and targeted profiling methods for complex plant: coffee a case study

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Human health is intrinsically linked to food safety, with increasing focus on contaminants.
• Food contaminants, including pesticides, mycotoxins, and processing-induced compounds, pose global health risks.
• Trace-level analysis of these substances in food matrices is crucial for quality control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of mass spectrometry analysis for food contaminants in roasted coffee.
• To emphasize the needs and challenges of using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) in this complex matrix.
• To contribute to enhanced food safety standards.

Main Methods:

• Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) is a key analytical technique.
• High-resolution mass spectrometry aids in meeting European Union identification point criteria for contaminant detection.
• Analysis focuses on trace levels of contaminants in vegetable food matrices, specifically roasted coffee.

Main Results:

• LC-MS-MS enables less laborious, more accurate, and precise analysis of trace food contaminants.
• The multi-analytical approach of LC-MS-MS allows for multiple results in a single run.
• European Union regulations (2002/657/EC) underscore the importance of mass spectrometry in food quality control.

Conclusions:

• Mass spectrometry, particularly LC-MS-MS, is vital for ensuring food safety in complex matrices like roasted coffee.
• Addressing the challenges of LC-MS-MS analysis in roasted coffee is essential for meeting food safety standards.
• Continued development and application of these techniques are necessary for global food safety.