Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in food safety

The use of powerful mass spectrometric detectors in combination with liquid chromatography has played a vital role to solve many problems related to food safety. Since this technique is especially well suited for, but not restricted to the analysis of food contaminants within the food safety area, this review is focused on providing an insight into this field. The basic legislation in different parts of the world is discussed with a focus on the situation within the European Union (EU) and why it favors the use of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Main attention in this review is on the achievements that have been possible because of the latest advances and novelties in mass spectrometry and how these progresses have influenced the best control of food allowing an increase in the food safety and quality standards. Emphasis is given to the potential and pitfalls of the different LC-MS approaches as well as in its possibilities to address current hot issues in food safety, such as the development of large-scale multi-residue methods and the identification of non-target and unknown compounds. Last but not least, future perspectives and potential directions are also outlined highlighting prospects and achievements. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.