Analysis of Minerals and Harmful Elements in Formula Milk Powder Using ICPMS-2030

Introduction

Formula milk powder is formulated to contain a good balance of minerals necessary for infant growth. Japan's Health Promotion Law includes stipulations on the essential mineral content, including calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu), of food for special dietary use (e.g., formulated milk powder for infants) and requires the labeling of their content. Harmful elements like lead (Pb) have a negative effect on infant development, and require strict safety controls from raw materials to the finished product. We describe using Shimadzu's ICPMS-2030 inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer to perform a simultaneous analysis of elements present in formula milk powder (National Metrology Institute of Japan certified reference material [NMIJ CRM]). In addition to being highly sensitive, the ICPMS-2030 uses a helium gas collision system that greatly reduces the spectral interference caused by argon and chlorine.

September 20, 2016 GMT