Automated LC-GC system for MOSH and MOAH analysis in food, according to EN 16995:2017

Significance of the Topic

Mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) are emerging contaminants in food and packaging materials. Due to their potential health risks and strict regulatory limits by EFSA and FDA, sensitive and reliable analytical methods are essential to monitor and control their presence in food products.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This study describes an automated workflow for MOSH and MOAH analysis in food samples, compliant with EN 16995:2017. The goal is to enhance sample throughput, improve data accuracy, and reduce manual interventions by integrating sample preparation and online LC-GC/FID analysis.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

The system comprises a Vanquish HPLC normal-phase setup with a silica gel column for fractionation, coupled via a heated TRACE 1600 auxiliary oven to a dual-channel TRACE 1610 GC-FID. A Thermo Scientific TriPlus RSH SMART autosampler automates injection, saponification, epoxidation, and optional Alox clean-up. All modules are controlled through Chromeleon CDS with e-Workflows for simplified sequence setup and data processing.

Main Results and Discussion

• System qualification with MOSH/MOAH standards yielded recoveries between 90–110% (MOSH) and 80–100% (MOAH), with resolution >2 for critical marker pairs.
• Repeatability tests showed RSD <1% for standard injections and <5% for spiked olive oil samples, demonstrating high precision.
• Automated saponification and epoxidation effectively removed fat and biogenic hydrocarbon interferences, lowering limits of quantitation.
• Alox clean-up eliminated native n-alkane overlap, enhancing MOSH accuracy without compromising MOAH results.
• Chromeleon CDS e-Workflows automated sequence creation, method assignment, and QA checks, reducing setup time and errors.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

• On-line LC-GC automation increases sample throughput and reduces manual labor.
• Validated accuracy, precision, and low detection limits align with food safety regulations.
• Modular design supports optional fraction collection, Alox clean-up, and coupling to GCxGC or MS for advanced investigations.
• Integrated software control and automated reporting streamline laboratory workflows and data integrity.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Integration of comprehensive two-dimensional GC and high-resolution mass spectrometry for deeper contaminant profiling.
• Extension of automated sample preparation modules to other contaminant classes and complex matrices.
• Application of AI and machine learning for pattern recognition and rapid interpretation of chromatographic data.
• Development of real-time online monitoring systems in production environments for continuous quality control.

Conclusion

Automated LC-GC/FID platforms with integrated sample preparation deliver robust, high-throughput analysis of MOSH and MOAH in food. By meeting stringent regulatory standards, reducing manual steps, and offering modular adaptability, these systems are pivotal for ensuring consumer safety and will advance further with enhanced detection technologies and data analytics.

References

1. Biedermann M, Fiselier K, Grob K. Aromatic hydrocarbons of mineral oil origin in foods: method for determining the total concentration and first results. J Agric Food Chem. 2009;57:8711–8721.
2. SampleQ by Interscience – Automation solutions.
3. Nestola M et al. Determination of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons in edible oils and fats by online liquid chromatography–gas chromatography–flame ionization detection – Evaluation of automated removal strategies for biogenic olefins. J Chromatogr A. 2017;1505:69–76.