Food and Beverage

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), sometimes referred to as perfluorinated compounds, are a family of molecules consisting of varying lengths of fluorocarbon chains with a functional group such as carboxylic or sulfonic acid attached. This application note describes the automation of the isolation of 10 PFAs from tap water prior to their analysis by LC/MS.

Since 1970, glyphosate has been used as a systemic, non-selective herbicide and crop desiccant on farms, in fields, and in public and residential areas. This application note describes the rapid purification of glyphosate, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), and glufosinate from red wine using AFFINIMIP® SPE Glyphosate.

As globalized food trade has become more common in recent years, improved screening methods combined with food inspection investigations have put a large amount of pressure on the food and beverage industry to improve quality assurance and control. This pressure led to the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which aims to ensure the U.S. food supply is safe by shifting the focus of federal regulators from responding to contamination to preventing contamination.

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi that are harmful to humans and animals. Patulin, found in rotting apples, is a compound that is regulated in many countries. Food safety testing for patulin is crucial to limit exposure; however, many sample cleanup methods do not remove closely related compounds, which can lead to false positive results.