Advancing Food Safety with LC-MS Sulfite Detection
Sulfites are essential food additives widely used to prevent oxidation and microbial growth in juices, dried fruits, baked goods, and seafood. Studies have shown that sulfites may cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Allergic reactions reported in the 1980s prompted the USFDA to enforce strict regulations, including mandatory labeling for foods containing over 10 mg/kg of sulfites and prohibiting their use in raw fruits and vegetables. Compendial methods such as the Monier Williams method are used for detecting sulfur dioxide and sulfites. These established methods are prone to challenges, including false positives—especially in sulfur-rich matrices like Allium species (garlic, onion) and Brassica species (cabbage, broccoli), due to their natural sulfur compounds.
Eurofins Solution
Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing Madison, Inc. addressed these challenges with the development of an innovative LC-MS method for determining sulfur dioxide and sulfites in food products. This validated method offers precise analysis in foods, beverages, dietary supplements, and infant formula, overcoming the limitations of traditional testing approaches. The LC-MS method is aligned with the FDA’s compendial method using LC/MS that was introduced in 2023.
The LC-MS method employs a buffered formaldehyde solution to convert free and reversibly bound sulfites into hydroxymethylsulfonate (HMS). Solid-phase extraction (SPE) purifies the extracts, removing lipophilic components, which are then analyzed using hydrophilic interaction chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS).
Advantages of LC-MS
The LC-MS method presents several key advantages over historical methods in sulfite detection:
- Improved Specificity: Reduces risk of false positives and minimizes interference from matrix-related sulfur compounds.
- Enhanced Sensitivity: Achieves lower limits of quantification (LOQs)—1.00 ppm for sulfur dioxide and 1.25 ppm for sulfites—for more precise measurements.
- Lower Sample Requirements: Requires 10 times less sample mass, optimizing efficiency.
Conclusion
The LC-MS method represents a significant advancement in sulfite testing, providing superior accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. By offering lower sample requirements, enhanced sensitivity, and improved specificity, this innovative approach supports food, beverages, dietary supplement, and infant formula companies in ensuring regulatory compliance and maintaining product quality. With Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing leading the way in analytical solutions, clients can confidently navigate the complexities of sulfite analysis, safeguarding both consumer trust and market success.
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