Pesticides in Food: Targeted Quantitation Solution Guide

Significance of Topic

Ensuring accurate quantitation of pesticide residues in food is vital for consumer safety, regulatory compliance, and industrial quality control. Rapid, cost-effective, and robust analytical workflows are essential to address a wide variety of matrices and evolving regulatory limits.

Objectives and Overview

This solution guide presents an integrated workflow for targeted pesticide quantitation, covering sample preparation, chromatographic separation, mass spectrometric detection, and data processing. The primary goals are to develop sensitive, reliable methods that align with profitability targets and streamline reporting.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Sample Preparation: QuEChERS protocol with tailored sorbents (MgSO4, PSA, C18, GCB) to remove moisture, acids, lipids, pigments, and sterols across diverse matrices (fruits, vegetables, dairy, cereals, wine).
• Chromatography: Vanquish UHPLC systems (Horizon and Flex Binary configurations) paired with Accucore columns for high reproducibility, fast separations, and wide chemical compatibility.
• Mass Spectrometry: Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantis and TSQ Altis triple-stage quadrupole instruments equipped with OptaMax NG ion source, AIM+ technology, segmented quadrupoles, Active Q2 collision cell, and ion beam guide with neutral blocker for enhanced sensitivity, speed (up to 600 SRM transitions/second), and robustness.
• Data Processing: TraceFinder software offering ready-to-use compound databases, template-driven SRM workflows, intuitive data review, and automated report generation to improve throughput and consistency.

Main Results and Discussion

Performance testing demonstrated reliable quantitation of atrazine at 1 µg/kg in leek with excellent signal stability over hundreds of injections. Key metrics include consistent signal intensity across multiple transitions (e.g., m/z 174, 104, 146) and minimal maintenance downtime due to user-friendly hardware design.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High Throughput: Rapid QuEChERS extraction and UHPLC runs enable large sample batches in routine labs.
• Robustness: Maintenance-free source design and stable SRM performance support long sequences without vacuum breaks.
• Sensitivity and Reliability: AIM+ and segmented quads deliver low detection limits with reproducible results.
• End-to-End Workflow: Integrated software reduces method development time and automates report generation for QA/QC and regulatory labs.

Future Trends and Applications

Advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry, artificial intelligence–driven method optimization, non-target screening, and miniaturized or green extraction techniques will further enhance pesticide analysis. Expanded compound libraries and cloud-based data platforms will support real-time monitoring and global data sharing.

Conclusion

The presented QuEChERS-LC-MS/MS workflow, leveraging Thermo Scientific platforms and software, provides a comprehensive solution for accurate, efficient, and reproducible pesticide quantitation in complex food matrices.

References

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Pesticides in Food: Targeted Quantitation Solution Guide, OT64964-EN 0517M, 2017.