Determination of MOSH Contamination in Baby Foods by Using LC–GC and LC–GC×GC–MS

Significance of the topic

This study addresses mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) contamination in baby foods, a critical concern due to potential health risks from dietary exposure. MOSH originate from lubricants, packaging inks, and ingredient oils, and their presence in infant diets warrants rapid, reliable analysis.

Objectives and Study Overview

The research aimed to develop and validate a high‐throughput LC–GC–FID method with heart‐cutting and to complement it qualitatively by LC–GC×GC–MS for structural insights. Sixteen commercial baby food samples, including meat, fish, and fruit‐based products, were evaluated for MOSH levels.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample preparation involved triple hexane extraction of homogenized baby food, drying, and dilution. Quantification employed LC–GC–FID heart‐cutting on a silica column with hexane mobile phase, followed by GC–FID detection. Qualitative confirmation used LC–GC×GC–MS on a two‐column GC×GC system with cryogenic modulation, capillary columns of differing polarity, and full‐scan quadrupole MS detection.

Main Results and Discussion

All food samples exhibited MOSH contamination, with levels from 0.3 to 13.8 mg/kg. Fish and meat products averaged 3.8 mg/kg, exceeding the proposed 0.6 mg/kg limit for C10–C25 hydrocarbons. Fruit‐based samples ranged 0.3–10.5 mg/kg, indicating additional sources beyond vegetable oil. LC–GC chromatograms showed characteristic hydrocarbon humps, while GC×GC–MS provided resolution of cycloalkane zones and allowed identification of cyclic and branched alkanes.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Rapid, sensitive quantification of MOSH in complex matrices
• Heart‐cutting LC–GC offers routine screening capability
• LC–GC×GC–MS delivers structural characterization for source attribution

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Further integration of comprehensive 2D LC–GC×GC platforms may enhance throughput and automated data handling. Advances in detector sensitivity and software algorithms will aid regulatory monitoring and source tracking in food safety laboratories.

Conclusion

The combined LC–GC–FID and LC–GC×GC–MS approach provides a robust workflow for MOSH detection and identification in baby foods, revealing pervasive contamination likely from multiple origins and underscoring the need for monitoring standards.

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