Determination of Hormonal Growth Promotants in Beef Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Hormonal growth promotants (HGPs) are used in cattle production in the US to enhance growth and meat quality.
• Concerns exist regarding residual HGPs in meat and potential adverse health effects, including cancer, from consumption.
• Accurate detection methods are vital for assessing population exposure to HGPs in meat.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a sensitive and selective method for detecting multiple HGPs in retail meat cuts.
• To enable accurate assessment of HGP exposure in consumers of meat products.

Main Methods:

• Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was employed for HGP detection.
• A liquid-liquid extraction with a high pH solution was used, requiring less meat mass.
• Ammonium fluoride was utilized as a mobile phase additive, eliminating the need for derivatization.

Main Results:

• The method successfully detected HGPs including estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, and trenbolone at low levels (0.1–1.0 ng/g).
• The approach demonstrated good chromatographic performance, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision.
• Sample preparation was simplified, requiring significantly less meat compared to existing methods.

Conclusions:

• A validated LC-MS/MS method provides sensitive and selective detection of HGPs in retail meat.
• This method facilitates effective monitoring of HGP residues, contributing to food safety and public health.
• The streamlined sample preparation enhances efficiency for routine analysis of HGPs in meat products.