We present a multi-residue instrumental method that can be applied for high-throughput screening and semi-quantitation of pesticide residues in food matrices at or below the current legislative requirements. A high-resolution, accurate-mass mass spectrometer operated in Full Scan – Variable Data-Independent Analysis (FS-vDIA)* mode provided an option for full spectrum filtering, retrospective analysis, and multi-parameter-based compound identification. The method was validated for 328 target pesticides, with an option for the future extension to a larger number. (*vDIA not available in US.)

Acrylamide is formed during the cooking process of certain plant-based foods which are rich in carbohydrates and low in protein. Specifically, it forms when asparagine reacts with sugars such as glucose at high temperatures. Acrylamide is a known carcinogen in animals. Accelerated solvent extraction is an excellent technique for extraction of acrylamide from various fried food products. This application note describes a new accelerated solvent extraction method that combines the extraction of low-levels of acrylamide from coffee and chocolate with an in-cell, solid-phase cleanup step.

Veterinary drugs containing antimicrobial agents are often administered to livestock to treat or prevent disease and, at low levels, to promote growth in food-producing animals. Government agencies have discovered that some companies are abusing the use of these drugs, by administering them at higher than recommended levels to promote faster growth. This practice results in unwanted drug residues in meat and meat products eaten by humans. Sulfonamides are one class of antimicrobial agent used for that purpose. This AN shows that ASE can extract sulfonamides from meat and baby food with meat.

The Thermo Scientific SMART Digest Kit is applied for generation of peptides from therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in 60 minutes. Peptide mapping samples were analysed on a Thermo Scientific UltiMate U3000 RSLC system coupled to a Thermo Scientific Q Exactive HF with Biopharma Option. Separation of sample peptides was performed on a Thermo Scientific Acclaim RSLC 120, C18, 2.2 µm analytical column using a 30 minute separation gradient, yielding excellent chromatographic separation and high sequence coverage.

We present the reliable and accurate quantitative analysis of contaminants at the pg/mL level in drinking water using the Thermo Scientific EQuan MAX Plus LC-MS system coupled to the Thermo Scientific TSQ Endura triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Excellent reproducibility was shown for the target compounds in tap water using 1 mL injections at 0.37× maximum effluent concentration.