Innovative method for determination of 19 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in food and oil samples using gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry based on an isotope dilution approach

An efficient and selective analytical method for the determination and the quantification of 19 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in food and oil has been developed. This method includes the monitoring of 15 PAHs stated as a priority by the EU in their 2005/108 recommendation. The samples were extracted according to a selective extraction step using pressurized liquid extraction followed by a purification with polystyrene-divinylbenzene SPE. Identification and quantification were performed using GC–MS/MS, with an isotope dilution approach using 13C-labelled PAHs. The novel combination of selective extraction followed by purification provides highly purified analytes combined to a fast and automated method. The advantages of GC–MS/MS as compared to other detection methods are tremendous in terms of sensitivity, selectivity and interpretation facilities. Limits of detection varied between 0.008 and 0.15 μg kg−1, limits of quantification between 0.025 and 0.915 μg kg−1 for PAHs in food. The calibration curves showed a good linearity for all PAHs (R2 > 0.99) and precision and recovery were fit for purpose. Trueness of the method was carried out using the US National Institute of Standards and Technology SRM 2977 reference material.