Automated, high-sensitivity analysis of target residual fumigants in foods for regulatory food safety testing by multi-step enrichment-headspace-trap coupled with GC–MS

Fumigants are biocidal aerosols used to control pests, often applied prior to storage or transport of foodstuffs. However, this can leave residues that later negatively affect consumer health. This has prompted increased scrutiny by regulatory bodies, with the European Union (EU) stipulating maximum residue limits (MRLs) for a range of commonly used fumigants. For example, levels of ethylene oxide above the EU MRL of 0.05 mg/kg led to several product recalls in recent years, at a great cost to suppliers. This MRL has since been lowered again to 0.01 g/kg, in line with the MRL for a range of other fumigant compounds such as bromoethane.

There is a need for a robust, efficient and high-throughput method for extracting and analysing fumigants from foodstuffs. Traditionally, analysis has relied on liquid extraction methods such as QuEChERS with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). However, these methods require extensive manual sample preparation, introduce a ‘dirty’ extract (including many highly abundant non-target compounds) to the GC and generate significantly large volumes of environmentally damaging solvent waste.

Here we present a fully automated, solvent-free, environmentally conscious technique in which static headspace methodology is enhanced by a cryogen-free focusing trap to provide superior analytical sensitivity for this challenging application.

Please complete the form below to download the poster