Performance evaluation of GC-MS/MS for Dioxin analysis with amendments to EU Regulations 644/2017 and 771/2017 for food and feed

Importance of the Topic

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) are persistent organic pollutants that accumulate in food chains due to chemical stability and fat solubility. Monitoring their ultra-trace levels in food and feed is critical for public health and compliance with evolving EU regulations, which are tightening maximum allowable limits by up to 40%.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study evaluates the Thermo Scientific TSQ 9610 GC-MS/MS system’s capability to quantify PCDD/Fs in food and feed under EU Regulations 644/2017 and 771/2017, comparing results with established reference laboratories.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

• Samples of animal fats, oils, baby food and herbs were prepared by EURL (Germany) and Wageningen Food Safety Research (Netherlands).
• Isotopic dilution calibration using EPA 1613 standards covering 0.01–200 pg/µL for all 17 congeners.
• GC-MS/MS analysis with NeverVent AEI source and Chromeleon 7.3 CDS eWorkflow for automated setup, data acquisition and real-time quantification.

Used Instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific TSQ 9610 triple quadrupole GC-MS/MS
• NeverVent Advanced Electron Ionization (AEI) source
• Chromeleon 7.3 Chromatography Data System with Dioxin eWorkflow

Main Results and Discussion

The system achieved femtogram-level sensitivity, detecting 1,3,6,8-TCDD at 10 fg on-column with <11% RSD. Calibration linearity exceeded R2 > 0.990, and response factors remained within ±30% of average values, satisfying EU criteria. TEQ results from real samples aligned closely with magnetic sector HRMS data from EURL and Wageningen, demonstrating consistent performance.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

• Ultra-trace quantification at femtogram levels for regulatory PCDD/F analysis
• Fully automated workflows reduce manual handling and compliance risk
• Integrated instrument control and reporting streamline routine testing in QA/QC environments

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances in ion source design and AI-driven data processing may further enhance sensitivity and throughput. Broader adoption of GC-MS/MS platforms could replace high-resolution MS in many regulatory laboratories, improving accessibility and cost-efficiency.

Conclusion

The TSQ 9610 GC-MS/MS, coupled with the NeverVent AEI source and Chromeleon eWorkflow, meets current and proposed EU regulatory requirements for PCDD/F analysis in food and feed, offering a robust, sensitive, and automated solution for ultra-trace dioxin quantification.

Reference

1. World Health Organization. Dioxins and their effects on human health.
2. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915.
3. World Trade Organization G/SPS/N/EU/703.
4. Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/644.
5. Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/771.
6. Thermo Fisher Scientific Application Note 10590.
7. Thermo Fisher Scientific Application Note 10703.