[Inter-laboratory Study on the Modified Method Assessment for the Determining Methanol Content in Kitchen Detergents]

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Safety Analysis

Background:

• Methanol is a toxic alcohol that can be present in household products.
• Accurate quantification of methanol in kitchen detergents is crucial for consumer safety and regulatory compliance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To modify and validate an analytical method for determining methanol content in kitchen detergents.
• To assess the method's performance through an international collaborative study.

Main Methods:

• A modified analytical procedure was developed for methanol determination.
• An inter-laboratory study involving 10 labs was conducted using blindly coded samples.
• Statistical analysis followed international guidelines, including calculation of HorRat values based on reproducibility and the Horwitz/Thompson equation.

Main Results:

• The modified method was validated through an inter-laboratory study.
• HorRat values of 0.8 and 1.8 were obtained for two sample concentrations.
• These values met the Codex Alimentarius performance criteria (< 2) for analytical method approval.

Conclusions:

• The modified analytical method demonstrates good performance for quantifying methanol in kitchen detergents.
• The method is suitable for routine quality control and safety assurance of kitchen cleaning products.
• Validation through an inter-laboratory study ensures reliability and comparability of results across different laboratories.