Analysis of Dioxins in Feed and Food Using GC-MS/MS as Confirmatory Method in Complying with EU Regulation

Introduction

Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are generally termed as dioxins. It has been reported that dioxins accumulate in environment, plants and organisms due to their good chemical stability and good solubility in animal fats. Dioxins are probable carcinogens and possess a range of other toxic effects to humans. The bioaccumulation greatly impacts humans who are on the top of food chain. Dioxins and other persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been subjected to the Stockholm Convention, which obliges signatories to eliminate and minimize their sources. The analysis of dioxins in food and compound feed, the latter contributing to the dioxins content in food with animal origin, is essential. Gas chromatograph coupled with a high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) was adopted first in determination of dioxins at trace levels for its high selectivity and sensitivity. Since June 2014, the EU regulation has included the use of tandem mass spectrometry system (GC-MS/MS) as a confirmatory method. This enhances the accessibility and scales down the costs of dioxins analyses. In this study, Shimadzu’s GCMS-TQ8040, a new model GC- MS/MS, was employed and evaluated for identification and quantification of the seventeen most toxic PCDD and PCDF congeners listed by the EU regulation. The analysis was carried out with mixed dioxin standards, as well as animal compound feed and animal-related food samples. The results show that Shimadzu’s tandem quadrupole GCMS-TQ8040 fulfill all the requirements as stated in the EU regulation.

April 5, 2016 GMT