Residual Analysis of Aflatoxins in Spice by HPLC Coupled with Solid-Phase Dispersive Extraction and Solid-Phase Fluorescence Derivatization Method.

Background: Aflatoxins (AFs) are carcinogenic mycotoxins. A simple, quick, and accurate method for the micro-analysis of AFs in foodstuffs, especially spices, is needed.

Objective: A sophisticated pretreatment method that combines solid-phase dispersive extraction (SPDE) and solid-phase fluorescence derivatization using immunoaffinity (IA) gel as the solid phase was developed to analyze AFs in spices simply, quickly, and sensitively by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection.

Determination of sterigmatocystin in foods in Japan: method validation and occurrence data.

A survey of the contamination of foods by sterigmatocystin (STC) was performed by an analytical method based on LC-MS/MS. STC was extracted from samples with acetonitrile/water (85/15, v/v) and then purified with immunoaffinity columns. The method was validated by a small-scale inter-laboratory study using spiked wheat samples.

Occurrence of four Fusarium mycotoxins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, T-2 toxin, and HT-2 toxin, in wheat, barley, and Japanese retail food.

A survey of the contamination of wheat, barley, and Japanese retail food by four Fusarium mycotoxins, deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), T-2 toxin (T-2), and HT-2 toxin (HT-2), was performed between 2010 and 2012. A method for the simultaneous determination of the four mycotoxins by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was validated by a small-scale interlaboratory study using two spiked wheat samples (DON was spiked at 20 and 100 μg/kg and ZEN, T-2, and HT-2 at 6 and 20 μg/kg in the respective samples). The recovery of the four mycotoxins ranged from 77.

[Detection of allergenic substances (shrimp, crab) in processed seafood].

We have carried out a study (2009-2012) on processed seafood products in order to determine the level of contamination with shrimp and crab. In 2010-2012, after the Allergy Labeling Regulation went into effect, the detection rate of crustacean protein in processed seafood products including small fish, such as niboshi, tukudani and so on (both boiled and dried), was 63%. Detection rates for processed seafood products in which crustacean protein levels were below 1 μg/g were 36% with and 58% without advisory labels, allowing us to conclude that 60% of labels were adequate.

[Comparison between old and new methods for detection of allergenic substances (egg and milk)].

The old ELISA method for detection of allergenic substances (egg and milk) in Kanagawa prefecture from 2003 to 2007, employed before improvement of the food allergen labeling system, yielded detection rates of 20% for egg and 30% for milk. In 2005, after improvement of the labeling system, the detection rate using the new ELISA in solutions containing 1% SDS and 7% 2-mercaptoethanol increased by about 10% for egg, but decreased by half for milk. There were 4 positive samples (over 10 µg/g) for both egg and milk proteins, on account of contamination by ingredients at the manufacturing line and the lack of proper food labeling.