ABSTRACT
Enniatins (ENA, ENA1, ENB and ENB1) are emerging mycotoxins reported in malt used for brewing. This study aimed to assess the fate of ENA, ENA1, ENB and ENB1 throughout Ale beer brewing using a validated method based on matrix-matched calibration (MMC) and liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry detection. MMC avoided the inaccurate quantification of all enniatins, since the matrix effects that cause signal suppression have been overcome. The validated method displayed linearity (R2 > 0.99), recovery (>88%), repeatability and intermediate precision (RSD < 9.0%) in accordance with the different guidelines of method validation. The values of LOD (<0.1 µg kg-1) and LOQ (<0.5 µg kg-1) were sensitive enough to detect enniatins throughout brewing. In the Ale beer production stages, enniatins levels were significantly reduced, ensuring that beers were free of these mycotoxins. In contrast, enniatins were found in all by-products of beer production due to their low water solubility.
