Simultaneous determination of dyes of different classes in aquaculture products and spices using HPLC–high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Abstract

A simple method of sample preparation, rapid screening, and determination of dyes—veterinary drugs and illegally used dyes (coloring product counterfeiters)—in spices by HPLC–high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry is proposed. Sample preparation involves the extraction of analytes from a solid matrix with acetonitrile containing 0.1% of formic acid, twofold dilution of the extract with deionized water, filtration, and chromatographic separation. The limits of detection were 0.01–0.4 ng/g. The procedure of screening and determination of dyes in foods includes the identification of dyes by an accurate monoisotopic mass of the ion (m/z), retention time (t R), and coincidence of the isotopic distribution (mSigma), and, if dyes are detected, their determination by the standard addition method. The relative standard deviation of the results does not exceed 15%. The duration of the analysis is 1–2 h.