Discrepancies in Mineral Oil Confirmation by Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry: A Call for
José Fernando Huertas-Pérez1, Cristina Cruz-Hernández1, Antonio Núñez-Galindo1
1Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Vers-chez-les-Blanc, CH-1000 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 12, 2025
Summary
This study compared mineral oil hydrocarbon (MOH) analysis in vegetable oils across six labs. While quantitative results aligned, confirmatory analysis using GCxGC-ToF showed discrepancies, highlighting the need for method harmonization.
Area of Science:
- Food safety analysis
- Analytical chemistry
- Trace contaminant detection
Background:
- Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOHs) are contaminants found in vegetable oils.
- Accurate detection and quantification of MOHs are crucial for consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
- Inter-laboratory variability in analytical results can impact trade and dispute resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the consistency of MOH analysis in vegetable oils among different laboratories.
- To compare quantitative and confirmatory analytical methods for MOH detection.
- To identify areas for improvement in harmonizing analytical techniques for MOHs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of coconut oil, palm olein, and olive oil for MOHs.
- Quantitative estimation using liquid chromatography-gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (LC-GC-FID).
- Confirmatory analysis of MOH components using two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-ToF).
Main Results:
- All six laboratories reported similar quantitative results for MOH content, indicating the effectiveness of current harmonized guidelines.
- Discrepancies were observed in confirmatory analyses, particularly in detecting low-level MOH markers and interpreting GCxGC-ToF data.
- The study highlights variability in the application and interpretation of advanced analytical techniques.
Conclusions:
- Existing harmonized guidelines are effective for the quantitative estimation of MOHs in vegetable oils.
- There is a need to harmonize the GCxGC-ToF confirmatory method for MOHs to improve inter-laboratory agreement.
- Standardization of GCxGC-ToF data interpretation is essential for reliable trace contaminant analysis.
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