Improved method for the determination of hydroxymethylfurfural in baby foods using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

An improved analytical method for the rapid, reliable, and sensitive determination of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in baby foods is described. It entailed aqueous extraction from food matrix with simultaneous clarification using Carrez I and II reagents, solid-phase extraction cleanup using Oasis HLB, and analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A narrow-bore column allowed fast chromatographic separation with good resolution of HMF and matrix coextractives. In positive atmospheric pressure chemical ionization conditions, precursor and compound-specific ions were sensitively detected in selected ion monitoring mode. Sample preparation with efficient cleanup followed by fast chromatographic analysis allowed the analysis to be completed in <20 min. Recovery ranged between 91.8 and 94.7% for spiking levels of 0.25, 1.0, and 5.0 mg/kg HMF in cereal-based baby foods. The method was shown to be successful when using liquid chromatography coupled to ultraviolet detection at 285 nm.