QuEChERS-based determination of ethoxyquin in chicken by LC-FLD and isotope dilution LC-MS/MS

Authors

  • Abigail Grace Bion Department of Science and Technology, Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), National Metrology Laboratory of the Philippines, Metrology in Chemistry Section, Bicutan, Taguig City, Philippines
  • Aaron C. Dacuya Department of Science and Technology, Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), National Metrology Laboratory of the Philippines, Metrology in Chemistry Section, Bicutan, Taguig City, Philippines
  • Alleni T. Junsay Department of Science and Technology, Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), National Metrology Laboratory of the Philippines, Metrology in Chemistry Section, Bicutan, Taguig City, Philippines
  • Benilda S. Ebarvia Department of Science and Technology, Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), National Metrology Laboratory of the Philippines, Metrology in Chemistry Section, Bicutan, Taguig City, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21014/actaimeko.v15i2.2297

Keywords:

ethoxyquin, QuEChERS, isotope dilution mass spectrometry, method validation, EMR-Lipid

Abstract

Safety concerns surrounding ethoxyquin (EQ), particularly its potential to accumulate as detectable residues in animal-derived foods, underscore the need for rapid and effective analytical methods for EQ monitoring. A new method was developed and validated for the trace determination of ethoxyquin in chicken. The workflow combines the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) approach with dispersive solid phase extraction Enhanced Matrix Removal–Lipid (dSPE EMR-Lipid) cleanup, followed by quantification using liquid chromatography–fluorescence detection (LC-FLD) and isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-IDMS/MS). The limits of detection and quantification were 2.4 and 3.6 µg/kg for LC-FLD, and 1.7 and 2.5 µg/kg for LC-IDMS/MS. Both methods exhibited excellent linearity (R = 0.999) using matrix-matched calibration. Mean recoveries across three fortification levels ranged from 94 % to 106 %, while repeatability (RSD ≤ 4.2 %, n = 10) and intermediate precision (RSD ≤ 7.6 %, n = 3) over one-, two-, and three-month periods complied with Horwitz criteria. The developed method was successfully applied to the homogeneity and stability analysis of EQ in a chicken-based reference material.

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Published

2026-06-10

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Research Papers

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Abigail Grace Bion, Aaron C. Dacuya, Alleni T. Junsay, Benilda S. Ebarvia

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