Dioxins in beef samples from Mexico using a low resolution GC/MS screening method

Abstract

Dioxins in beef were quantified by high resolution gas chromatography coupled to low-resolution mass spectrometry (GC/LRMS). The analyses were performed according to the minimum requirements described in the USEPA 1613 method with some minor modifications. Levels found in the samples were in the range 1.02–8.04 pg WHO-TEQ PCDDs/PCDFs g⁻¹ fat. For comparison purposes, the maximum level allowed by the European Union is 3 pg WHO-TEQ PCDDs/PCDFs g⁻¹ fat, and some of these samples surpassed the above-mentioned limit and can be considered as contaminated food. The results confirm that a preliminary screening of dioxins in beef can be performed by GC/LRMS. As far as we know, this is the first report of dioxins in beef in Mexico. After the appropriated tests, the applied methodology could be considered as an alternative screening method for the analysis of PCDD/Fs in other food products.

Keywords:

• chromatography
• GC/MS
• method validation
• quality assurance
• dioxins
• TEQs
• animal products
• meat

Acknowledgements

We wish to thank SAGARPA–CONACYT 2002-C01-1140, CONCYTEC and PAICYT CA440–04 for financial support, as well as CONACYT for financial support in the form of a fellowship for ATC.