Targeted and Sensitive Detection of Food Allergens in Complex and Processed Foodstuffs Using UPLC-MS/MS

This application note describes the targeted analysis of four food allergens in a variety of matrices using Waters ACQUITY UPLC System and Xevo TQ-S. The four allergens investigated in this method were milk (Bos Taurus), egg (Gallus gallus chicken), peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and soybean (Glycine Max [Glycine hispida]). The protocol was tested on processed and complex food matrices including chocolate, ice cream, tomato sauce, and cookies. Detection levels tested were benchmarked against the levels stated in the AOAC SMPR 2016.002 and VITAL (Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labeling) reference doses.