QuEChERS LC-MS/MS Screening Method for Mycotoxin Detection in Cereal Products and Spices

Area of Science:

• Food Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Safety

Background:

• Mycotoxins pose significant risks to food safety and human health.
• Accurate and efficient detection methods are crucial for regulatory compliance.
• Existing methods may require improvement in speed and scope for routine analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a robust screening method for mycotoxin analysis in cereal products and spices.
• To ensure the method meets stringent regulatory requirements for food safety.
• To assess the method's performance using proficiency testing and real-world samples.

Main Methods:

• Utilized ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS).
• Employed dispersive solid-phase extractions (d-SPEs) for efficient sample preparation.
• Validated the method for Ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone (ZEA), aflatoxins (AFLA), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins (FUMO), T2, and HT2 in maize, and AFLA and DON in black pepper.

Main Results:

• The developed UHPLC-MS/MS method demonstrated high performance for mycotoxin detection.
• All validated mycotoxins were detected at screening target concentrations (STC) below maximum permitted levels (MLs).
• Method performance was confirmed through two proficiency tests and analysis of 100 real samples.

Conclusions:

• The validated UHPLC-MS/MS method provides a reliable tool for screening mycotoxins in cereals and spices.
• The method complies with European Commission regulations (EC) no. 401/2006 and (EC) no. 1881/2006.
• This screening approach contributes to enhanced food safety by ensuring mycotoxin levels remain within legal limits.