Applications of Mass Spectrometry in Food Industry

Mass spectrometry is a powerful technique for identifying and quantifying chemical compounds based on the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. This method includes sample ionization, separation of ions based on mass-to-charge ratio, and their detection by a detector. Mass spectrometry enables the identification of unknown compounds, determination of molecular structure, and quantitative analysis with very high sensitivity.

One of the most important applications of mass spectrometry in the food industry is the detection and measurement of contaminants such as pesticides, antibiotics, mycotoxins, and heavy metals. Using GC-MS and LC-MS, these compounds can be detected at very low levels (ppt). This technique is also used to detect food fraud, such as adding unauthorized substances or replacing high-quality ingredients with inferior ones.