Automated, high-sensitivity analysis of residual fumigants for food safety testing by multi-step enrichment–headspace–trap (MSE–HS–trap) with GC–MS

This application note by Markes International shows highly sensitive detection of residual fumigants in seeds and spices by MSE–HS–trap developed on Centri 90, an automated sample concentration platform, coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The MDLs obtained are as low as 0.0018 mg/kg, well below regulatory limits imposed by EU Regulation 2015/868 (0.01–0.05 mg/kg). Excellent chromatographic performance is achieved, with linearity R² > 0.99 and relative standard deviations <10% for all compounds, indicating good reproducibility. Full automation with prep-ahead functionality provides high productivity with throughput of approximately 40 samples per system per day. A further enhancement in sensitivity when using single-ion-monitoring (SIM) is also demonstrated, with excellent linearity and reproducibility achieved on the same analytical system for ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol in seeds.