Location: Microbial and Chemical Food Safety
2021 Annual Report
Objectives
Objective 1: Transfer the QuEChERS mega-method to FSIS for the replacement of separate methods for pesticides, veterinary drugs, and other contaminants in foods.
Sub-objective 1A: Transfer the QuEChERSER mega-method.
Sub-objective 1B: Extend the QuEChERSER mega-method to plant and fungal toxins in pertinent matrices.
Sub-objective 1C: Conduct an inter-laboratory validation of the QuEChERSER mega-method.
Objective 2: Evaluate and compare triple quadrupole MS/MS analysis in both fast GC and UHPLC using high-resolution orbital ion trap MS/MS.
Sub-objective 2A: Directly compare results from shared final extracts by the different analytical methods.
Sub-objective 2B: Speed mega-method monitoring via 5 min each isocratic UHPLC with dual column switching backflushing and ITSP+LPGC MS-based analyses.
Objective 3: Develop novel multi-element analytical methods for heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead in foods.
Sub-objective 3A: Develop volatile species generation (VSG) methods for determination of Pb and Cd in foods.
Sub-objective 3B: Achieve high productivity based on dual-mode VSG and pneumatic nebulization sample introduction.
Objective 4: Develop methods of analysis for emerging chemical contaminants not routinely monitored in FSIS regulated products.
Sub-objective 4A: Identify emerging contaminants, including food packaging chemicals that migrate into foods.
Sub-objective 4B: Validate QuEChERSER for targeted emerging contaminants found to be of concern in FSIS-regulated foods in Sub-objective 4A.
Sub-objective 4C: Conduct a market survey of food samples to study occurrence and levels of these contaminants to generate data for risk assessment.
Approach
Develop and transfer analytical technologies and methods to stakeholders that are effective and efficient for the screening, quantification and/or identification of chemical contaminants of concern in foods. Assist implementation to stakeholders of high-throughput monitoring for hundreds of pesticides, veterinary drugs, and environmental/emerging contaminants in the same sample extract in a matter of minutes using an automated process, including data handling and analyte identification. More specifically: 1) transfer the QuEChERS mega-method to USDA-FSIS for the replacement of separate methods for pesticides, veterinary drugs, and other contaminants in foods; 2) evaluate and compare triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (MS) analysis in both fast gas chromatography and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography using high-resolution orbital ion trap MS/MS; 3) develop novel multi-element analytical methods for heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead in foods; and 4) develop methods of analysis for emerging chemical contaminants not routinely monitored in FSIS-regulated products. The new methods and techniques will be validated to ensure their quality for reliable dissemination.
Progress Report
This is a newly approved NP108 project. Please see final annual report 8072-42000-080-00D for further information.
Accomplishments
