May 10th 2024
Michelle Colgrave of Edith Cowan University and Australia’s national science agency is the recipient of the 2024 Harvey W. Wiley Award.
Compounds in Honey Key to Activation of Detoxification Genes in Honey Bees
June 21st 2013Three scientists from the University of Illinois (Illinois, USA) have detected key compounds in honey using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) that can up-regulate detoxification genes. HPLC was performed on ethyl acetate honey samples identifying four compounds that induce detoxification genes, potentially required for the detoxification of pesticides.
Analysis of Pesticides in Baby Food Using Triple-Quadrupole GC–MS-MS
June 1st 2013Contamination of food products with pesticides is a growing concern because of recognized damaging health effects. This concern is particularly acute for baby foods because of the vulnerability of young children to harmful effects of synthetic chemicals, particularly pesticides. This application note presents results for analysis of trace levels of 24 organophosphorus (OP) pesticides in baby foods using the Shimadzu GCMS-TQ8030 triple quadrupole GC–MS-MS.
Determination of Additives in Beverages Using Ascentis Express Columns
June 1st 2013Beverages, such as sodas and energy drinks, can include a number of polar ingredients, which are easily soluble in the water matrix of the drinks. These ingredients include sweeteners (sugars and sugar substitutes), caffeine, vitamin supplements, amino acids, organic acids, and plant extracts. Because the analytes are already in solution, there is no need for extensive sample preparation. Dilution followed by direct injection into an HPLC is typically suitable.
Analysis of Methylimidazoles in Caramel-Colored Carbonated Beverages
June 1st 2013Caramel colorings are used as additives in a broad range of food and beverage products, but have no nutritional or preservative function. Recently, the potential hazard to humans of ammonia- and ammonia-sulfite-process caramel colorings was raised, because they contain the by-product 4-methylimidazole, which is a potential carcinogen (1).
Upping the Ante: Food Safety Training
February 4th 2013The Column spoke to Janie Dubois, Laboratory Programme Manager at the International Food Safety Training Laboratory (IFSTL), about the training programme to boost the standard of food analysis to comply with internationally recognized food safety standards and US regulations.