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Established expertise. We put our decades of experience in food safety analysis to work for you.
Best-in-class Restek chromatography products—GC and LC columns and consumables, certified reference materials, and sample preparation products.
We’re chemists too. We understand you need accurate results fast, and we are committed to finding solutions that work for you.

At Restek, we understand the fast-paced nature of food safety testing. As an analyst, you might be reporting pesticide residues in blueberries one day and analyzing veterinary drugs in meat the next. And no matter how complex the sample matrix is, shipments are waiting so you need to get accurate results the first time. That’s why Restek’s food safety chemists stay busy at the bench developing new chromatography products and optimizing the sample prep, GC, and LC methods that you depend on in order to deliver accurate results quickly and with confidence. Here are just a few of the areas we focus on to better assist food safety labs.

Unique Rxi-PAH GC column separates 36 key PAHs in just 33 minutes, including all the EFSA PAH4 compounds.
Best quality and selection of certified reference materials (CRMs) for food safety analysis. Manufactured and QC tested in our ISO-accredited laboratories.
Full line of Q-sep QuEChERS products that make sample preparation fast and easy.
Quick reference guide takes you straight to the liners, syringes, and septa that are recommended specifically for your instrument.
Decades of chromatography experience with trace analysis of pesticides, PAHs, melamine, flame retardants, and more in complex sample matrices.
Active collaboration with government and private labs. Strong supporter of food safety analysis conferences and organizations.

At Restek, we view you as a colleague and we are personally committed to your success. Working with customers like you on a daily basis allows us to learn about emerging trends, techniques, and market needs. Based on this experience, we work hard to develop the best chromatography solutions for challenging food safety analyses. Our goal is to help make your job easier by providing the chromatography products and resources you need to get the right results the first time.

Restek Expertise & Service

We’re chemists just like you—we know nothing is more frustrating than methods that don’t work as advertised. Since we don’t sell instruments, we stay independent and provide unbiased advice on the products and methods that will best meet your needs. If you are struggling with a difficult matrix or stubborn coelution, contact us—we’re here to help!

Restek Technical Service
1-814-353-1300, ext. 4
support@restek.com

Columns

Rxi-5ms Columns (fused silica)

low-polarity phase; Crossbond diphenyl dimethyl polysiloxane

General-purpose columns for semivolatiles, phenols, amines, residual solvents, drugs of abuse, pesticides, PCB congeners (e.g., Aroclor mixes), solvent impurities.
Most inert column on the market.
Tested and guaranteed for ultra-low bleed; improved signal-to-noise ratio for better sensitivity and mass spectral integrity.
Temperature range: -60 °C to 330/350 °C.
Equivalent to USP G27 and G36 phases.

Rxi-624Sil MS Columns (fused silica)

midpolarity Crossbond phase

Low-bleed, high-thermal stability column—maximum temperatures up to 300–320 °C.
Inert—excellent peak shape for a wide range of compounds.
Selective—G43 phase highly selective for volatile organics and residual solvents, great choice for USP<467>.
Manufactured for column-to-column reproducibility—well suited for validated methods.

Rxi-PAH Columns (fused silica)

midpolarity proprietary phase

Ideal for EFSA PAH4 analysis—separates all priority compounds: benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and benzo[a]pyrene.
Best resolution of chrysene from interfering PAHs, triphenylene, and cyclopenta[cd]pyrene.
Complete separation of benzo [b], [k], [ j], and [a] fluoranthenes.
360 °C thermal stability allows analysis of low-volatility dibenzo pyrenes.

Rxi Guard/Retention Gap Columns (fused silica)

Extend column lifetime.
Excellent inertness—obtain lower detection limits for active compounds.
Sharper chromatographic peaks by utilizing retention gap technology.
Maximum temperature: 360 °C.

Rxi-5Sil MS Columns (fused silica)

low-polarity phase; Crossbond 1,4-bis(dimethylsiloxy)phenylene dimethyl polysiloxane

Engineered to be a low-bleed GC-MS column.
Excellent inertness for active compounds.
General-purpose columns—ideal for GC-MS analysis of semivolatiles, polycyclic aromatic compounds, chlorinated hydrocarbons, phthalates, phenols, amines, organochlorine pesticides, organophosphorus pesticides, drugs, solvent impurities, and hydrocarbons.
Temperature range: -60 °C to 350 °C.

Hydroguard-Treated MXT Guard/Retention Gap Columns/Transfer Lines (passivated stainless steel)

Extend analytical column lifetime by preventing degradation from harsh “steam-cleaning” water injections.
Maximum temperature: 325 °C.

Ultra Aqueous C18 Columns (USP L1)

Stationary Phase Category: modified C18 (L1)
Ligand Type: proprietary polar modified and functionally bonded C18
Particle: 3 µm or 5 µm, spherical
Pore Size: 100 Å
Carbon Load: 15%
End-Cap: no
Surface Area: 300 m²/g
pH Range: 2.5 to 8
Maximum Temperature: 80 °C

Raptor ARC-18 LC Columns (USP L1)

Ideal for high-throughput LC-MS/MS applications with minimal sample preparation.
Well-balanced retention profile for better detection and integration of large, multiclass analyte lists.
Sterically protected to endure low-pH mobile phases without sacrificing retention or peak quality.
Part of Restek’s Raptor LC column line featuring 1.8, 2.7, and 5 µm SPP core-shell silica.

Raptor EXP Guard Column Cartridges

Free-Turn architecture lets you change cartridges by hand without breaking inlet/outlet fluid connections—no tools needed.
Patented titanium hybrid ferrules can be installed repeatedly without compromising high-pressure seal.
Auto-adjusting design provides ZDV (zero dead volume) connection to any 10-32 female port.

Allure Silica Columns (USP L3)

Particle: 5 µm, spherical
Pore Size: 60 Å
Carbon Load: n/a
End-cap: n/a
Surface Area: 450 m²/g
pH Range: 2.5 to 8
Maximum Temperature: 80 °C

Highly retentive phase for normal phase separations. Very high surface area, Type B silica packing.

Raptor FluoroPhenyl LC Columns (USP L43)

Capable of both reversed-phase and HILIC separations.
Ideal for increasing sensitivity and selectivity in LC-MS analyses.
Offers increased retention for charged bases.
Part of Restek’s Raptor LC column line featuring 1.8, 2.7, and 5 µm SPP core-shell silica.
Switch to a Raptor FluoroPhenyl LC column when you need more retention and selectivity for basic and hydrophilic compounds than you can achieve on a C18.

Reference Standards

QuEChERS Reference Standards

Browse our comprehensive list of QuEChERS reference standards, including internal standards and mixes for AOAC QuEChERS methods.

Pesticide Standards for Food Safety

Browse our complete offering of pesticide standards formulated specifically for food safety.

LC Multiresidue Pesticide Kit

Accurately detect and quantify pesticides of global food safety concern in a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and other commodities by LC-MS/MS.
Full kit contains 204 compounds of interest, covering many LC-determined pesticides listed by government agencies; individual ampuls also sold separately.

GC Multiresidue Pesticide Kit

Accurately identify and quantify pesticide residues by GC-MS/MS in fruits, vegetables, botanicals, and herbals such as tea, ginseng, ginger, echinacea, and dietary supplements.
Comprehensive 203-compound kit covers food safety lists by the FDA, USDA, and other global governmental agencies; individual ampuls also sold separately.

trans Fat Reference Standards

For accurate determination of trans fat content in foods and edible oils.
Pair with an Rt-2560 GC column for reliable AOAC and AOCS method performance.
Verified composition and stability.

Steroids and Mixed Pharmaceuticals Mix (10 components)

USP Residual Solvent Standards

USP equivalent standards for the revised USP <467> general chapter—compliance without the cost—compare prices today.
The only complete source for USP <467>.

Glyphosate Standard

Acrylamide

FAPAS Series 9 OP Pesticide Mix 1 (10 components)

Equal concentration of all compounds. Suitable for GC-FPD, GC-NPD, and GC-MS analysis.

Fragrance Allergen Standards Kit

Fully resolves 31 fragrance allergens with one analysis on an Rxi-17 column.
Ideal for GC-MS analysis following IFRA methodology.
Helps you meet EU requirements defined in the European Cosmetics Directive.
All components included at 400 ppm to allow dilution for calibration curves and use with different solvents.
Exceeds purity requirements outlined in IFRA method.
This kit contains one ampul of each of the following cat.#s: 33100, 33101, 33102, 33103, 33104. (Components of the kit are not available for individual sale.)

See Compounds tab for a detailed list of compounds contained in this formulation.

MOSH/MOAH Standard (9 components)

Developed specifically for using LC coupled with GC-FID to accurately determine hydrocarbons found in mineral oils, which can migrate from processing equipment and packaging into food.
This 9-component mix contains noninterfering internal standards as well as both mineral oil saturated hydrocarbon (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbon (MOAH) markers that are used to correctly cut LC fractions.

Pyrethrins Standard

Isomeric in nature, the pyrethrins neat material contains the following isomers: cinerin I and II, jasmolin I and II, and pyrethrin I and II. Isomer ratios for each lot are given in elution order on the certificate.

Labeled Pesticide Residue Internal Standards for Food Analysis

Isotopically labeled to provide the best approach for pesticide residue quantification.
Multiple options let you choose internal and surrogate standards that will mitigate matrix effects.
Economically priced and compatible with both LC-MS and GC-MS applications; even helpful for optimizing LC-MS/MS system performance.
Restek is your complete supplier for world-class food safety analysis: pesticide reference standard mixes and internal/surrogate standards, GC and LC columns, QuEChERS, and more!

QuEChERS Performance Standards Kit

Designed for use in all QuEChERS methods for pesticides in fruits and vegetables, including the original unbuffered method, AOAC 2007.01, and EN15662.

EFSA PAH4 Standard

Convenient high concentration standard (1,000 μg/mL) allows you to dilute as needed to economically prepare custom mixes. Contains all four EFSA PAH4 compounds in toluene.

EPA Method 8310 PAH Mixture (18 components)

EU 15+1 PAH Standard (16 components)

Formulated to contain the 16 major European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) PAH compounds.
High concentration (100 μg/mL) solution provides value and flexibility. Dilute as needed for fortification and calibration mixes.
Low-volatility toluene solvent provides longer shelf life, which helps ensure more accurate results.
Broad solvent miscibility—compatible with acetonitrile, the QuEChERS solvent.

PAH Interferences Standard (5 components)

SV Internal Standard Mix (6 components)

High purity for consistent results.
Free quality assurance data package available online.
Highest concentrations commercially available.

MOSH/MOAH Standard (9 components)

Developed specifically for using LC coupled with GC-FID to accurately determine hydrocarbons found in mineral oils, which can migrate from processing equipment and packaging into food.
This 9-component mix contains noninterfering internal standards as well as both mineral oil saturated hydrocarbon (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbon (MOAH) markers that are used to correctly cut LC fractions.

Melamine Analysis Kit

Everything you need for GC analysis of melamine. Includes Rxi-5Sil MS GC column, reference standards, derivatization reagent, centrifuge tubes, syringe filters, and easy-to-follow instructions.

Sample Handling

Q-sep QuEChERS dSPE Tubes for Extract Cleanup

Fast, Simple Sample Prep for Multiresidue Pesticide Analysis

Packaged in foil subpacks of 10 for enhanced protection and storage stability.
Ready-to-use tubes, no glassware required.
Pre-weighed, ultra-pure sorbents.
Support original unbuffered, AOAC (2007.01), European (EN 15662), and mini-multiresidue QuEChERS methods.

Q-sep 3000 Centrifuge for QuEChERS

Supports 50 mL, 15 mL, and 2 mL centrifuge tubes.
Small footprint requires less bench space.
Safe and reliable—UL, CSA, and CE approved; 1-year warranty.

Q-sep Bottle Top Solvent Dispenser

Adjustment knob offers 56 output volume settings from 2.5 mL to 30 mL per stroke (0.5 mL increments)—ideal for QuEChERS methods!
Base features 30 mm threads and includes four adaptors (25 mm, 28 mm, 38 mm, and 45 mm).
Individually calibrated in accordance with ISO 8655 standards (certificate included) and can also be recalibrated by the user.
PTFE, glass, and polypropylene construction for excellent chemical compatibility and 100% autoclavability.
Integral safety discharge reduces risk of accidental dispensing, and nozzle cap prevents dripping.
Easy to disassemble for cleaning and servicing.

Q-sep Tube Racks

Available for 2 mL, 15 mL, and 50 mL tubes.
Alphanumerical grid reference on top tier for easy identification of samples.
Easy to assemble; simply fold and snap together securely.

Pesticide Residue Cleanup SPE Cartridges

Convenient, multiple adsorbent beds in a single cartridge.
For use in multiresidue pesticide analysis to remove matrix interferences.
Excellent for cleanup of dietary supplement extracts.

Resprep SPE Cartridges (Normal Phase)

Hydrophilic (polar) adsorbents used to extract hydrophilic analytes from nonpolar matrices, such as organic solvents (e.g., polar contaminants from sample extracts).

Empty Centrifuge Tubes, FEP

Sturdy, easy-to-clean FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene)-lined tubes last indefinitely under normal usage conditions—and cost 50% less!

Thomson SINGLE StEP Standard Filter Vials

Recommended for samples containing less than 10% solid particulates.
Easy-to-use vials offer fast sample filtration and require only a squeeze of your fingers.
Minimize sample loss by eliminating multiple transfers.
Color-coded caps allow easy identification of 0.2 μm or 0.45 μm membranes in PVDF, PTFE, PES, or nylon.
Preslit PTFE/silicone caps help eliminate broken autosampler needles and cored septa.
Rugged polypropylene vial houses insert with 450 μL loading capacity and low dead volume (120 μL).
Fit most standard 12 x 32 mm autosamplers, including UHPLC instruments.

Syringe Filters with Luer Lock Inlet

Luer lock inlet offers leak-tight syringe connection.
Variety of filter types, porosities, and diameters.
Color coded for easy identification.
Rugged polypropylene housing.
Autoclavable to 121 °C for 15 minutes.
Quantity break pricing for greater savings.

Resprep VM-96 Vacuum Manifold for 96-Well Plates

Heavy-duty, stainless steel and aluminum body stays in place and does not slide like lighter models.
Viewing window allows easy observation of plate height and drip rate.
Durable O-ring and gaskets resist solvent damage and provide leak-free seals time after time.
Precision-manufactured parts assemble quickly and easily, with perfect alignment of well plate and collection plate.
Customize plate height to your exact requirements; precision height adaptor and five shims in a range of thicknesses allow easy, accurate configuration.
Works with any manufacturer’s well plates and collection plates for solid phase extraction (SPE), supported liquid extraction (SLE), protein precipitation (PPT), and filtration.

Restek PAL SPME Arrow

Rugged stainless steel construction ensures longer lifetimes.
Faster extraction means higher sample throughput.
Better sensitivity allows lower LODs.

Restek PAL SPME Fibers

Suitable for a wide range of analyte chemistries and sample matrices.
Reliable performance meets or exceeds other brands.
Robust aluminum hub is more durable than plastic.
Optimized for PAL system autosamplers and compatible with most GC inlets.
SPME automated sample preparation reduces sample handling and solvent consumption.

Supplies & Accessories

Topaz Inlet Liners for Agilent Instruments

Topaz Inlet Liners for Bruker/Varian Instruments

Topaz Inlet Liners for DANI Instruments

Topaz Inlet Liners for PerkinElmer Instruments

Topaz Inlet Liners for Shimadzu Instruments

Topaz Inlet Liners for Thermo Scientific TRACE and Focus Instruments

Topaz Inlet Liners for Thermo Scientific TRACE 1300, 1310 Instruments

Universal Press-Tight Connectors

Connect a guard column to an analytical column.
Repair a broken column.
Connect a column outlet to a transfer line.

Dynamic Duo (Restek Leak Detector and ProFLOW 6000 Flowmeter)

Protect your instrument and improve data quality with this powerful pair from Restek. Checking for leaks and verifying flows before you start running help you avoid costly problems later.

EXP Direct Connect Holder

Free-Turn architecture lets you change cartridges by hand without breaking inlet/outlet fluid connections—no tools needed.
Patented titanium hybrid ferrules can be installed repeatedly without compromising high-pressure seal.
Auto-adjusting design provides ZDV (zero dead volume) connection to any 10-32 female port.
EXP direct connect holder requires separate guard column cartridges; available from Restek in 2.1, 3.0, and 4.6 mm.

EXP Reusable Fittings for HPLC & UHPLC for 10-32 fittings and 1/16" tubing

EXP Hand-Tight Fittings

Hand-tight fitting style achieves effortless HPLC seals—no tools needed for a 8,700+ psi seal.
Both hand-tight and hex-head styles wrench tighten for reliable UHPLC use up to 20,000+ psi!
Patented ferrule can be installed repeatedly without compromising high-pressure seal.
Hybrid design combines the durability of titanium with the sealing ability of PEEK.
Cutting-edge system provides ZDV (zero dead volume) connection to any 10-32 female port.
Compatible with 1/16" PEEK and stainless steel tubing.

GC Accessories

Full line of GC consumables, lab tools to make your life easier, and replacement parts for all major instrument manufacturers.

LC Accessories

Quality replacement parts, tools, and accessories for liquid chromatography.

Blog
Literature

ChromaBLOGraphy

posted Tue, Mar 04, 2014

Are fatty acids overwhelming your QuEChERS dSPE PSA cleanup and causing issues in your GC analysis? Get more cleanup capacity with cartridge SPE cleanup!

posted Thu, Nov 14, 2013

Analyzing pesticides in herbal tea using QuEChERS and GCxGC-TOFMS of course!

posted Fri, Jul 12, 2013

From the Front Lines: Waging War on Bugs.

posted Mon, Jul 08, 2013

Testing for pesticides in tobacco… QuEChERS makes it easy!!

posted Fri, Jul 05, 2013

QuEChERS 3 part series…almost

posted Thu, Jun 27, 2013

Dilution and cleanup strategies for QuEChERS extracts of food prior to LC-MS/MS… and Tarballs!

posted Fri, Apr 19, 2013

No Prescription Needed: Pharmaceuticals in Your Supplements

posted Fri, Mar 29, 2013

Mining through complex data and non-target analysis is made easier with GCxGC-TOFMS

posted Thu, Feb 28, 2013

First GCxGC Separation of PAHs Triphenylene and Chrysene, and Benzo [b], [k], and [j] fluoranthenes Using the New Rxi-PAH GC Column

posted Fri, Feb 22, 2013

Who cut the cheese…and PCBs?

posted Thu, Nov 01, 2012

QuonFuseD by QuEChERS?

posted Wed, Jan 18, 2017

Some notes about Fats and Oils, cis/trans-Fatty acids and our latest re-launched RT 2560

posted Wed, Nov 30, 2016

Some notes about Fats and Oils in Food and about FAME and FAMEWAX

posted Fri, Jun 17, 2016

EPRW: European Pesticides Residue Workshop in Sunny Cyprus

posted Thu, Mar 31, 2016

Split Injection Makes for Easier Polar Solvent GC Work versus Splitless Injection

posted Thu, Mar 31, 2016

Shoot-and-Dilute GC – Practical GC – The Column

posted Thu, Mar 31, 2016

Don’t Forget to Change Your GC Inlet Bottom Seal and Trim Your GC Column as Part of Your Maintenance Routine!

posted Thu, Jan 22, 2015

Determination of Chloropropanols in Soy Sauce: Part 1, Enter The Matrix

Literature

Featured Application: Multiresidue Pesticide Mix Extracted from Brown Rice Flour Using QuEChERS Extraction and Cleanup - 7.5-Min Screening Analysis of Multiresidue Pesticides in Brown Rice Flour

Multiresidue pesticides analysis presents many challenges, from extensive lists of chemically diverse analytes to the negative effects of complex matrix components. The optimized chromatographic method described here allows the analysis of hundreds of compounds in as little as 7.5 minutes with a total cycle time under 10 minutes, ensuring fast, accurate sample screening and increased lab productivity.

GC/MS Analysis of Melamine and Cyanuric Acid Below 1 μg/g in Infant Formula

The establishment of a 1 µg/g safety threshold for melamine in infant foods has led to a need for sensitive methods. Here we established GC/MS conditions for highly reproducible analyses and evaluated the effectiveness of both solvent-based and matrix-matched standards. Using this method, melamine and cyanuric acid were reliably detected at and below 1 µg/g in infant formula.

Featured Application: Mycotoxins in Peanut Powder on Raptor Biphenyl - 5.5 Minute LC-MS/MS Analysis of Mycotoxins
in Peanut Powder

The method developed here provides a fast analysis of mycotoxins in peanut powder. Baseline separation of 12 FDA and EU regulated mycotoxins was achieved in a 5.5 minute analysis (7 minute total cycle time). This method can be applied to different matrices using either matrix-matched calibration or a stable isotope dilution assay. Sample throughput can be greatly increased by the short cycle time for each run.

Featured Application: Bisphenols on Raptor Biphenyl - Comprehensive LC-MS/MS Analysis of 15 Bisphenols in 8 Minutes

The analysis of bisphenolic compounds that are used as alternatives to bisphenol A (BPA) is essential for monitoring exposure to and evaluating the safety of these emerging industrial chemicals. The LC-MS/MS method presented here provides excellent chromatographic peak shape and separation for an extensive list of BPA analogues in a fast, 8-minute analysis.

Featured Application: Mycotoxins on Raptor FluoroPhenyl - Highly Selective LC-MS/MS Analysis of Mycotoxins from Multiple Classes

Mycotoxin contamination of crops is not only a public health concern, but it also has a huge impact on the global economy. This highly selective LC-MS/MS analysis of 20 mycotoxins in just 9 minutes allows scientists to accurately identify toxins, to monitor food products for contamination, and to support control strategies that prevent economic loss.

Featured Application: Analysis of Melamine and Related Compounds on Raptor HILIC-Si - Trace-Level Analysis of Melamine and Related Compounds by LC-MS/MS

The analysis of melamine and related compounds is critical in protecting consumers from adulterated food products. While these highly polar analytes are difficult to retain and accurately quantify on many columns, the Raptor HILIC-Si column and LC-MS/MS method shown here allow quick and complete separations, so melamine and related compounds can be accurately identified and quantified even at residual levels.

Featured Application: Paraquat and Diquat on Raptor HILIC-Si - LC-MS/MS Analysis of Paraquat and Diquat without Ion-Pairing Reagents

LC-MS/MS analysis of paraquat and diquat herbicides is an important tool for protecting human and environmental health. However, the ion-pairing reagents that are commonly used to improve retention, resolution, and peak shape have a negative impact on sensitivity and can contaminate the system necessitating frequent cleaning. The LC-MS/MS analysis of paraquat and diquat presented here provides complete separation and good peak response for both target analytes in a fast, 7-minute gradient run without the use of troublesome ion pairing reagents.

Comprehensive Pesticide Residue Analysis by LC-MS/MS Using an Ultra Aqueous C18 Column

Analysis of pesticide residues in foods is complicated by the large number of target compounds. LC-MS/MS analysis using an Aqueous C18 column provides more comprehensive results than GC alone.

Featured Application: Multiclass Veterinary Antibiotics on Raptor C18 by LC-MS/MS - One Analysis, One Column, Less than 9 Minutes for Over 60 Multiclass Antibiotics

The use of antibiotics on food-producing animals is a public health and safety concern due to the potential of generating drug-resistant bacteria. A sensitive, efficient, and reliable analytical method for different classes of antibiotics is necessary to meet regulations covering maximum residue limits (MRL) for a variety of animal tissue and food products. The Raptor C18 LC column is the ideal choice for antibiotic residue analysis.

Analysis of Nitrofurans in Honey - Using LC/MS/MS and an Ultra C18 Column

Nitrofurans are a class of veterinary antibiotics used to increase growth rate and prevent or treat disease in animals. Determining levels of nitrofurans in animal tissue, or even products such as honey, is important in studying drug resistance and allergies in humans. The Ultra C18 HPLC column is an excellent choice for LC-MS/MS analysis of nitrofurans at low levels in complex matrices such as honey. Here we show excellent sensitivity, resolution, and peak shape at trace levels.

Analytical Method for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Yerba Mate Tea Using Modified QuEChERS, Solid Phase Extraction and GC-TOFMS and GC-MS/MS

This application note describes the development of an analytical method for PAHs in tea that allows analysts to more quickly and accurately characterize target PAHs. Sample preparation is based on a modified QuEChERS extraction and solid phase extraction sample cleanup. Both GC-TOFMS and GC-MS/MS techniques were used and analyses were optimized for resolution of isobaric compounds, as well as for maintaining a reasonable analysis time.

Food Technology -- Are We as Safe as We Think?

A thought-provoking discussion of the risks of rapid technology advancement and food safety.
by Dr. Konrad Grob, Kantonales Laboratory, Zurich

Matrix Effects in Multi-Residue Pesticide Analysis When Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Matrix effects present a significant challenge to multi-residue pesticide analysis of food samples using LC/MS/MS. In this editorial, Dr. Kai Zhang, of the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, discusses approaches that minimize matrix effects.

Featured Application: LC Analysis of 4-MEI on Raptor FluoroPhenyl Columns - Reliable HILIC LC-MS/MS Analysis of 4-Methylimidazole (4-MEI) on Raptor FluoroPhenyl Columns

Raptor FluoroPhenyl columns perform well in both HILIC and reversed phase modes, giving method developers the flexibility to select the mode that performs best for their specific compounds of interest. Here we use a Raptor Fluorophenyl column in HILIC mode for LC analysis of 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI). This approach provides more retention than reversed phase mode and can be applied to determining 4-MEI levels in caramel colorings to monitor formulations and also in foods and beverages to assess potential exposure.

Mitigating Matrix Effects: Examination of Dilution, QuEChERS, and Calibration Strategies for LC-MS/MS Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Diverse Food Types

LC-MS/MS is popular for monitoring pesticide residues in food due to its selectivity and sensitivity; however, matrix effects can cause poor data quality and difficult quantification. We evaluated the relative effectiveness of sample dilution, QuEChERS cleanup, solvent-based calibration, and matrix-matched calibration strategies to mitigate matrix effects in celery, kale, avocado, lime, and brown rice flour.

A Comprehensive Approach to Pesticide Residue Testing, Including Non-Target Analysis, for Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts, Using QuEChERS, LC-MS/MS, and GCxGC-TOFMS

Food commodities that varied in water, fat, and pigment content were fortified with pesticides and processed using a QuEChERS sample preparation technique. Samples were analyzed by both GCxGC-TOFMS and LC-MS/MS, and good recoveries were obtained for most pesticides in most commodities.

Comparing Pesticide Residues in Amish and Commercially Grown Strawberries and Spinach Using QuEChERS, Various dSPE Sorbents, and GC-TOFMS

QuEChERS extraction, dSPE cleanup, and GC-TOFMS analysis were used to assess pesticide residue levels in strawberry and spinach from both commercial and Amish growers. Various dSPE sorbent products were compared to determine which were most effective.

Evaluation of Dispersive and Cartridge Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) Cleanups for Multiresidue Pesticides in QuEChERS Extracts of Finished Tobacco Using GCxGC-TOFMS

We compared the efficacy of dSPE and cSPE cleanup methods for multiresidue pesticide analysis of QuEChERS extracts of finished tobacco products using GCxGC-TOFMS. Cleanup with dSPE tubes containing 7.5 mg of GCB and 25 mg of PSA produced better results than other methods, with average recoveries of 92% and 91% for 500 ppb and 50 ppb fortifications respectively.

Prepare Olive Oil Samples for Pesticide Residue Analysis in Half the Time With a Fraction of the Solvent Using dSPE

Simplify and speed up sample preparation with Resprep dSPE tubes! Here we show the extraction and clean-up of pesticide residues from olive oil samples—twice as fast as GPC, with only a fraction of the solvent required for conventional SPE.

New Rxi-PAH GC Column; Resolve Important Isobaric Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons for Food Safety and Environmental Methods

Separate isobaric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including priority EFSA PAH4 compounds benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and benzo[a]pyrene, easily and accurately on an Rxi-PAH column. Whether you need more resolution or faster analysis, these new GC columns offer the selectivity and efficiency you need for food safety and environmental PAH analysis. (PDF - 0MB)

Thomson SINGLE StEP Filter Vials

Patented Thomson SINGLE StEP filter vials speed up sample preparation and analysis. The incorporated vial plunger contains an integrated membrane that filters samples with just one squeeze—a SINGLE StEP process to minimize sample loss while saving time and money during sample filtration. (PDF - 0MB)

Ensure Successful Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Analysis—Choose Specialized Rxi-PAH Columns

Whether you are analyzing comprehensive lists or focusing on the EFSA PAH4, the Rxi-PAH column ensures your success by combining efficiency, selectivity, and robustness to produce a column that outperforms all competitors’ columns. Chose the configuration that best suits your application and be confident that you are reporting accurate results without bias from interferences. (PDF - 0MB)

Accurately Quantify 380 Pesticides Using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS

Stop spending your time and money developing LC-MS/MS or GC-MS/MS multiresidue pesticide methods and mixing reference standards when you could be running samples. Restek’s expert formulations chemists and chromatographers have already done the work for you—with guaranteed accuracy and at a lower cost. (PDF - 0MB)

EXP and EXP2 Fittings: Reusable fittings for easy, reliable HPLC & UHPLC connections

EXP and EXP2 fittings are now available from Restek. These reusable HPLC/UHPLC fittings feature a patented titanium/PEEK ferrule that provides repeated zero-dead-volume connections to any 10-32 female port without compromising high-pressure seals. (PDF - 0MB)

Raptor ARC-18 LC Columns Brochure

Raptor LC columns combine the speed of superficially porous particles (i.e., SPP or “core-shell”) with the resolution of highly selective USLC technology. The sterically protected ARC-18 phase was designed and intended specifically for use with acidic mobile phases on LC-MS/MS systems. Even after extended use in low-pH (≤ 2.0) conditions, it offers consistent and well-balanced retention, peak shape, and response. Choose Raptor ARC-18 columns for the rapid analysis of large, multiclass assays by mass spectrometry. (PDF - 5MB)

QuEChERS Sample Preparation Procedures

Instruction sheet for QuEChERS sample preparation, cat.# 25847, 25848, 25849, 25850, 25851, 25852, 26123, 26124, 26125, 26126, 26215, 26216, 26217, 26218, 26219, 26220, 26221, 26222, 26223, 26224, 26225, 26226, 26242, 26243, 26244, 26245. (PDF - 0MB)

QuEChERS Made Even Easier: Comprehensive Solutions Simplify Sample Prep and Analysis

Learn how to use the QuEChERS approach to perform faster, easier sample preparation and cleanup for multiresidue pesticide analysis. Q-sep QuEChERS products save time, money, and materials compared to modified Luke methods. (PDF - 0MB)

HPLC Analysis of Glucosinolates in Vegetable Extracts without Ion Pairing Using an Ultra Aqueous C18 Column

Glucosinolates with hydrophilic functional groups are very difficult to retain by conventional reversed phase HPLC, and when the functional groups in a sample are diverse, polarity can differ widely, complicating the problem. Until now, reversed phase HPLC with an ion pairing reagent has been the inconvenient, but necessary, approach to these analyses. This 2-page note describes a column and conditions for analyses of glucosinolates, without ion pairing. (PDF - 0MB)

Developing New Methods for Pesticides in Dietary Supplements

QuEChERS is a simple, effective approach to sample prep that can be applied to the analysis of pesticides in dietary supplements. Here, we demonstrate a QuEChERS, cSPE, GC-TOFMS procedure that results in good recoveries for a wide range of pesticides in dandelion root. (PDF - 0MB)

Residual Solvent Analysis: Implementing USP <467>

This 12-page reference includes a of headspace fundamentals, the revised USP <467> method (July, 2008), chromatography for Procedures A, B, and C, and technical tips for optimization. Guidance on fast, effect method development is given. (PDF - 0MB)

Fast, Simple QuEChERS Extraction and Cleanup of Pesticide Residue Samples

QuEChERS dSPE methods simplify extract cleanup, reduce material costs, and improve sample throughput. Here we demonstrate the effectiveness of QuEChERS sample cleanup using a multiresidue analysis of pesticides on strawberries. (PDF - 0MB)