ABSTRACT
Benzophenone (BP) and 4-methylbenzophenone (4MBP) are photo-initiators that are generally used to cure ink on carton boards. In this contribution, a fast and reliable method for the determination of BP and 4MBP in breakfast cereals is described. The sample was extracted ultrasonically using a mixture of dichloromethane and acetonitrile (1:1), followed by a clean-up of the extract using solid phase extraction with a silica cartridge. Finally, the extract was analysed by GC-MS(n). Benzophenone-d(10) was used as internal standard. The presented method is validated in terms of linearity, recovery, repeatability and intra-laboratory reproducibility, specificity, limit of detection and limit of quantification. In conclusion, this method is able to detect both BP and 4MBP at very low concentrations (LOD=2microg kg(-1)) in breakfast cereals.
Subject(s)
Benzophenones/analysis , Edible Grain/chemistry , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry , Molecular Structure , UltrasonicsABSTRACT
This overview paper describes a study conducted for the Belgian Federal Public Service of Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment during 2006-2007. Home-produced eggs from Belgian private owners of hens were included in a large study aiming to determine concentration levels of various environmental contaminants. By means of the analyses of soil samples and of kitchen waste samples, obtained from the same locations, an investigation towards the possible sources of contaminants was possible. Eggs, soils, faeces and kitchen waste samples were checked for the presence of dioxins, PCBs (including dioxin-like PCBs), organochlorine pesticides, trace elements, PAHs, brominated flame retardants and mycotoxins. The study design, sampling methodology and primary conclusions of the study are given. It was found that in some cases dioxin-like compounds were present at levels that are of concern for the health of the egg consumers. Therefore, measures to limit their contamination in eggs, produced by hens of private owners, were proposed and deserve further attention.
Subject(s)
Eggs , Environmental Pollutants/analysis , Food Contamination/analysis , Animals , Belgium , Chickens , Dioxins/analysis , Feces/chemistry , Female , Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers/analysis , Humans , Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/analysis , Mycotoxins/analysis , Pesticides/analysis , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/analysis , Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/analysis , Seasons , SoilABSTRACT
The European Commission recommends to monitor the 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) possessing both genotoxic and carcinogenic properties. Since robust analytical methods specific for this set of European PAH are lacking, a new method for their analysis in food is proposed. The donnor-acceptor complex chromatography (DACC) is used as clean-up step and high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet/fluorescence detection (HPLC-UV/FLD) is used for detection and quantification. The method has been validated for analysis of PAH in oil and in dried plants and bears very good results for all compounds.
