Non-targeted screening for food chemical safety

Danielle Cawdron, Analytical Scientist

A new member-funded research project will give members access to non-targeted analysis for 'unknown hazards' that gives more confidence in the safety of their food and drink products.

Contact us

Before you Send please insert the same letters and numbers you see in this image captcha_image into this box: (this helps us fight spam)


When you click on the Send button you will be deemed to have accepted our terms and conditions

Transcript

One of the largest issues facing the food industry today is the identification of new and emerging contaminants. Although analytical techniques have improved in selectivity and sensitivity in recent years, the task of identifying components and a sample matrix is still daunting. Traditionally the analytical methods surrounding food safety have been specifically developed for a certain sample type or for a class of compounds. This targeted approach has been used with success for several decades. However, a targeted approach does come with a significant drawback - it will miss all compounds that have not been pre-selected at the beginning of the analysis. So, by comparison a non-targeted screening technique would enable us to rapidly detect and identify unknown or unexpected compounds within a food and drink sample without the need to pre-select the chemicals of interest.


At the end of the three-year project we aim to have developed a robust non-targeted screening approach across a range of analytical instruments and we'd also hope to demonstrate that this is not only a practical, but useful tool for the detection and identification of unknown contaminants.


We see this project breaking down into three main areas, the first of which is sample preparation. The final sample extraction method needs to be unselective and be able to solubilise and recover a large range of chemical compound classes. A pre-separation technique such as gas chromatography or liquid chromatography would also be employed to reduce the complexity of the matrix, to help separate out any isomers and to concentrate the analytes of interest. Mass spectrometry is one analytical technique that has been identified as a powerful tool in non-targeted screening primarily because prior knowledge of chemical content isn't required and it has a relatively large dynamic range. Thirdly, how we process and interpret the data is going to be critical. Often the bottleneck in a non-targeted workflow is your data analysis and interpretation. The mass spec output data from these high-resolution instruments is very information rich and a powerful data mining tool needs to be employed to enable identification and interpretation.

More on Analysis and testing

Dry foods in bowls on table

Accelerated shelf-life testing of food and beverage products

Here we outline the services we offer in this area, signpost other useful tools, and unpack some of the key considerations and limitations for conducting acc...


Collage of microbiology pictures including growth on agar plate and chicken in laboratory

The value of bundling your challenge testing, shelf life, sensory analysis and consultancy through a single partner

Discover how besides food safety, food producers can save time and money when they bundle all their services with a single expert partner like us.


Spices and herbs in boxed grid

Helping food manufacturers manage the microbiological risk in low and intermediate moisture foods

Explore how we support food manufacturers in enhancing the management of microbiological risks in low and intermediate moisture foods.


Selection of ingredients, herbs, spices and garlic

Product recalls: Undeclared allergens

UKAS accredited testing provides essential support to effectively manage and mitigate costly food industry product recalls caused by undeclared allergens.


Microbial growth in agar plates on worktop

Fast, accurate microbial identification – why it’s important and how to get it

Identifying the microorganism present in a sample can help to understand the source and cause of the contamination. All so you can address the issue and prev...


Scientists in laboratory testing with pipettes

Why carry out microbiological testing on food and drink products?

Microbiological testing serves various purposes, including meeting customer requirements, ensuring compliance, performing due diligence, release testing, and...



Contact an expert