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Analytical

Session:: General Analytical Methods

Root cause analysis of MOSH-MOAH contamination in crude edible oils: Challenges and opportunities on the use of a LC-GCxGC-MS approach

Wednesday, May 3, 2023
11:00 AM – 11:20 AM MDT
Room: 401
Abstract: The analysis of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbon contaminants (MOSH-MOAH) in edible oils is an analytical challenge due to its high complexity in terms of matrix variety, analyte composition, sample treatment, analysis, result interpretation and interferences. In certain cases, the use of a compound characterization approach is recommendable, due to the huge uncertainty on the values obtained by the official quantitative methodology by LC-GC-FID, and the high chance of false negative/positive results. Innovative solutions such as hyphenated chromatographic techniques based on GCxGC-MS can help to clarify the composition of the MOSH and MOAH fractions. This approach allows for thorough investigations, aiming to identify the root causes of a contamination incident which would result in implementation of specific corrective solutions along the supply chain and in industrial procedures to prevent recurrence.

In this work the authors aim to highlight some practical examples that illustrate the challenges and opportunities of on-line LC-GCxGC-TOF-MS/FID as an innovative approach for the analysis of MOSH-MOAH in crude edible oil. First, several examples will be shown in which natural (wax-esters, carotenes, etc.) and exogenous interferences contribute to the MOSH-MOAH values of crude edible oils, measured through the official quantitative methodology. Second, characterization results of the related MOSH and MOAH fractions obtained by a GCxGC approach will be explained, with an emphasis on false positive/negative results. In addition, the analytical challenges derived from this type of analysis and matrices, for instance those related to the sample treatment, will be reviewed. The results of this work point at evident opportunities to properly and thoroughly characterize MOSH and MOAH fractions in crude edible oils, allowing to perform root cause analysis with a direct impact on mitigation actions in industry, and a positive influence on improving the quality and safety of edible oils.