Determination of synthetic phenolic antioxidants in soft drinks by stir-bar sorptive extraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Abstract

The synthetic phenolic antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) were pre-concentrated by stir-bar sorptive extraction and thermally desorbed (SBSE-TD) before analysis by GC-MS. Several parameters affecting the derivatisation step and both SBSE extraction and thermal desorption were carefully optimised. When the analyses of BHA and TBHQ in their acetylated, silylated and underivatised forms were compared, the best results were obtained when the in-situ derivatisation procedure with acetic anhydride was employed. Quantification was carried out using carvacrol as the internal standard, providing quantification limits of between 0.11 and 0.15 ng ml(-1), depending on the compound. Recovery assays for samples spiked at two concentration levels, 1 and 5 ng ml(-1), provided recoveries in the 81-117% range. The proposed method was applied in the analysis canned soft drinks and the analytes were found in five of the 10 samples analysed.

Metal organic framework (ZIF-67)-derived Co nanoparticles/N-doped carbon nanotubes composites for electrochemical detecting of tert-butyl hydroquinone

“…But the excessive use of TBHQ is responsible for vision disturbance, convulsions and medullary dysfunction as reported by the national institute of health [4]. European Union (EU) Directive 95/2/EC formulates a maximum limit of 1 mgÁg -1 in foods [5]. In China, United States, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and Philippines, it has been permitted to use in foods up to a maximum limit of 200 mgÁkg -1 [6].…”

Healthy Drinks with Lovely Colors: Phenolic Compounds as Constituents of Functional Beverages

“…Several synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) are widely used in industrial and commercial products, but only a few can legally be added to food products [89]. Thus, with a common molecular structure in which the phenolic rings are replaced by alkyls hindered in the ortho position [70], butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate (PG), and tertiary-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) are commonly used as food antioxidants [90].…”

“…This issue generated concern on the part of the governments of the European Union and most countries to create legislation that regulates the use of SPAs, either individually or in mixtures, as the market for combined natural or synthetic phenolic antioxidants is expected to have a growth rate of around 5% by 2023 [109]. In the European Union, the use of certain SPAs has been restricted and has even been banned in soft drinks [89].…”

Hierarchical triple-shelled porous hollow zinc oxide spheres wrapped in graphene oxide as efficient sensor material for simultaneous electrochemical determination of synthetic antioxidants in vegetable oil

“…Therefore, their contents in processed food have been strictly restricted in most countries. For example, the addition of TBHQ and BHA in soft drinks is not authorised by the European Union (Directive 95/2/EC), and the maximum permitted level in flavourings is 200 mg kg −1 [7]. Based on this, an effective and convenient quantification method for monitoring the levels of antioxidants is necessary to fulfillment of the legal requirements as well as quality control procedures in the food industries.…”