Analysis of semicarbazide in baby food by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS–MS)—In-house method validation

A method for detection of semicarbazide (SEM) in baby food was validated. SEM was extracted with hydrochloric acid and derivatised with 2-nitrobenzaldehyde, using [15N2,13C] semicarbazide as internal standard. The extract was neutralised, purified on a solid phase extraction cartridge and SEM was determined by reversed phase LC–MS–MS. Linearity was demonstrated in the ranges from 0.1 ng ml−1 to 1 ng ml−1 and from 2 ng ml−1 to 80 ng ml−1. Matrix effects were non significant for meat-based and significant for apple and rice-based baby foods, in both ranges. Mean recoveries ranged from 87.8% to 107.2% with relative standard deviation from 0.2% to 9.1%, considering both ranges. Limits of detection and quantification were 0.1 μg kg−1 and 0.25 μg kg−1, respectively. The results of the validation process demonstrated the method suitability for use in food control.