Multi-Residue Analysis of 18 Dye Residues in Animal Products by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

This study aimed to develop an analytical method for determination of 18 dyes in livestock and fishery products by liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The developed method was validated for linearity, accuracy, limit of quantifications (LOQ) and recovery based on the CODEX guideline (CAC/GL- 71). Target matrices (beef, pork, chicken, egg, milk, flatfish, eel, and shrimp) were extracted using acetonitrile (containing 1% of acetic acid) and then, purified with C18 and primary secondary amine (PSA). Calibration linearity was obtained (r 2>0.98) and LOQs were 0.002 mg/kg in animal products. The recoveries of dyes were ranged from 63 to 112% and relative standard deviations (RSDs, %) were less than 15%. The residues of 18 dyes were investigated in real samples (n=124) collected from retail markets in South Korea. As a result, a total of seven samples showed positive results for target analytes in fish samples. However, there was no violation according to the maximum residue limits set by the Korean Food Code. The proposed method will be used for routine analysis of dye residues in livestock and fishery products.