AB Sciex has introduced a test method to allow scientists and lab analysts to identify the plasticiser chemical phthalate, which has recently been found in food and beverage products in Asia.
Phthalate has been found in some clouding agents, which are commonly used in a variety of products including fruit jelly, juices, sports drinks and yoghurt mix powder.
AB Sciex's phthalate test method is designed to increase the accuracy and reduce the amount of time to identify the harmful food contaminant from days or hours to potentially minutes.
It is based on tandem mass spectrometry, which is used in laboratories for molecular analysis, including food testing.
AB Sciex developed the method as a means of assisting laboratories to test for phthalate in a single analysis with immediate confirmation of accurate results.
Using the method, food-testing technicians can analyse a broader range of food in less time, the company claimed.
As part of the solution, AB Sciex mass spectrometers reduce the complexity and give users the ability to more efficiently take advantage of the sensitivity and speed of QTRAP technology with MRM3 capabilities.
Going forward, AB Sciex said food-testing laboratories can also gain a new level of selectivity in their analysis by adopting Selexion mass spectrometry technology to help ensure high accuracy.
