Applied Biosystem spectrometers used to monitor food contamination
Specialised mass spectrometers have been deployed at seven of the US Food and Drug Administration’s field offices to analyse harmful potential pesticides in the US food supply.
The 4000 QTRAP Systems, developed by instrument specialist Applied Biosystem, integrates quantitative and qualitative analysis by combining triple quadrupole and linear ion trap capabilities on the same platform. It is the only system of its kind that provides information to identify and quantify contaminants at trace levels, the company says. Mass spectrometers scan, identify, and measure the quantity of various substances, including chemical contaminants in food. Systems will be deployed at FDA field offices in Jefferson, Ark.; Irvine, Calif.; Lenexa, Kan.; Jamaica, NY; Bothell, Wash.; Atlanta, Ga; and College Park, Md.
Applied Biosystems will provide training of on-site FDA staff and will work with the technical personnel to validate methods that will be used to monitor pesticide residues at the seven laboratories.
‘Applied Biosystems is looking forward to working with the FDA to help ensure the safety of the nation’s food supply,’ said Laura Lauman, president for Applied Biosystems’ proteomics and small molecule division. ‘he government’s efforts to increase food safety are directly impacted by the accuracy and reproducibility of the scientific information used to conduct the critical analysis that determines whether food is contaminated and a threat to the health of the general public. The 4000 QTRAP System provides a best-in-class workflow for this important task.’