Analysis of Dioxins in Food and Feed using GC/MS - Consumable Workflow Ordering Guide

Significance of the Topic

Monitoring dioxins and related furans in food and feed is critical due to their classification as persistent organic pollutants. These compounds arise as by-products of industrial processes and accumulate in animal fat, posing long-term health risks and triggering stringent regulatory controls worldwide.

Objectives and Study Overview

The study presents a streamlined workflow for quantifying polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in food and feed matrices using gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS). The aim is to demonstrate compliance with European Union regulations while reducing analysis cost and complexity compared to high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The method employs a DB-5ms Ultra Inert capillary column (60 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm) with a multimode inlet cooled by air or CO₂. Samples are injected in splitless mode, followed by a temperature-programmed oven ramp to resolve congeners. Detection uses an Agilent 7010 Triple Quadrupole in electron ionization MRM mode at unit mass resolution. Critical parameters include:

• Carrier gas: helium, constant flow
• Inlet and transfer line temperatures: 330 °C and 280 °C respectively
• Oven program: multi-step gradients to 350 °C
• MRM transitions optimized for native and 13C-labeled standards

Main Results and Discussion

Chromatographic separation achieved valley depths below the 25 % threshold for key hexa-CDF isomers (4.8 % and 14.3 % valley-to-peak), ensuring accurate quantitation. The method demonstrated sensitivity and selectivity comparable to GC/HRMS while avoiding high mass resolution requirements. Validation against mid-point calibration levels confirmed stability and reproducibility in challenging food matrices.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This GC/MS/MS approach offers:

• Lower instrument and maintenance costs than high-resolution systems
• Reduced operator training requirements
• Regulatory acceptance for routine monitoring of dioxins and furans
• High throughput suitable for food safety and feed control laboratories

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances may include further automation of sample preparation, expanded MRM libraries for emerging contaminants, and integration with data-driven quality assurance platforms. Continued miniaturization of GC/MS/MS hardware and novel inlet designs could enhance sensitivity and lower detection limits for trace dioxin analysis.

Conclusion

The presented GC/MS/MS workflow delivers a cost-effective, robust, and regulatory-compliant solution for dioxin and furan analysis in food and feed. By leveraging tandem quadrupole technology and an inert GC column, laboratories can achieve precise quantitation without the complexity and expense of high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Reference

1. Agilent Technologies. Determination of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans (PCDF) in Foodstuffs and Animal Feed using the Agilent 7000 Triple Quadrupole GC/MS System (5990-6594EN).
2. Agilent Technologies. Validation of a Confirmatory GC/MS/MS Method for Dioxins and Dioxin-like PCB (5991-6590EN).
3. Agilent Technologies. GC/TQ Reporting Software and Workflow Guide for Dioxins, Furans, and Dioxin-like PCBs in Food and Feed (G3881AA).