Rapid quantification of iron, copper and zinc in food premixes using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence

A simple and rapid method for the determination of iron, copper and zinc in food premixes (used during human food processing) by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) has been established and validated using 25 samples. Reference values were obtained by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy after microwave acidic digestions. Studied samples presenting wide ranges of concentrations: Fe=500–35000 mg/kg, Cu=50–4000 mg/kg and Zn=700–32000 mg/kg were quantified in 200 s by XRF measurements using a rhodium tube.