LCGC International Unveils "Peak to Plate: Expert Insights in Food Analysis"

Food is one of the most challenging matrices to analyze because of its extraordinary complexity. Unlike pharmaceutical or environmental samples, food consists of highly heterogeneous mixtures of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, pigments, flavor compounds, minerals, additives, and countless trace constituents. The composition of any one sample can shift dramatically depending on crop variety, animal feed, geography, climate, season, storage conditions, and manufacturing processes. Even foods that appear simple on the surface can contain a wide range of naturally occurring and process-derived compounds, each of which may influence quality, authenticity, nutrition, and safety.

Chromatographic techniques, such as gas chromatography (GC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), have become indispensable tools for navigating this complexity. These methods allow scientists to separate compounds within dense, overlapping mixtures and examine them with the selectivity needed to identify allergens, additives, residues, degradation products, and naturally occurring bioactive molecules. In modern food laboratories, chromatography is central not only to targeted testing, but also to broader profiling efforts that help scientists understand how ingredients and finished products change over time.

Coupled with mass spectrometry, these instruments can now detect contaminants at parts-per-trillion levels, enabling analysts to screen for pesticides, veterinary drug residues, environmental pollutants, and other unwanted substances with sensitivity and confidence.

Regulators use chromatography to verify that imported foods meet safety standards. Producers use it to authenticate expensive products — catching olive oil adulterated with cheaper vegetable oils, or honey diluted with corn syrup. Researchers use it to map the full nutritional profile of novel ingredients.

In “Peak to Plate: Expert Insights in Food Analysis”, LCGC International will speak with leading specialists to explore how separation science continues to advance this field, from improving contaminant detection and authenticity testing to supporting innovation in nutrition, quality control, and regulatory compliance.

LCGC International is looking forward to bringing you this content series. Make sure to subscribe to our social media handles as we work to bring you the latest innovations in food analysis.

You can watch a preview of "Peak to Plate: Expert Insights in Food Analysis” below.