Validation of an UHPLC-MS/MS Method for the Determination of Malachite Green, Leucomalachite Green, Crystal Violet, and Leucocrystal Violet in Shrimp, Fish, and Salmon Muscle Using a Modifiied QuEChERS Approach

A quantitative and confirmatory method for detecting the presence of triphenylmethane dyes in shrimp muscle using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) extraction approach was validated. The method exhibited linearity and selectivity and the coefficient of determination (R-2) was higher than 0.95 for all studied analytes. Limits of detection (LODs) varied from 0.32 to 0.44 mu g kg(-1) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was determined to be 0.5 mu g kg(-1) for all studied analytes. The trueness, precision, decision limits (CC alpha), detection capability (CC beta) and uncertainty presented adequate performance. In addition to the validation in shrimp muscle, fish and salmon muscle were also satisfactory validated as an extension of scope. The suitability of the proposed method was also evaluated through an interlaboratory proficiency test, in which satisfactory results were obtained. The fully validated method is thus suitable for the analysis of triphenylmethane dyes in shrimp, fish, and salmon muscle.

Automated summary

A method using UHPLC-MS/MS and QuEChERS extraction was validated for detecting triphenylmethane dyes in shrimp muscle, showing good linearity and selectivity. The method was also successfully applied to fish and salmon muscle analysis, with satisfactory results in interlaboratory proficiency tests.