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.