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Chinese researchers have developed a rapid and simplified work flow analysis using ambient ionisation coupled to a miniature mass spectrometer. The sample treatment and chromatographic separation normally required for mass spectrometry analysis has been by-passed using capillary nano-electrospray ionisation, paper spray ionisation, or syringe spray ionisation depending on the sample.  These are connected to a miniature ion trap mass spectrometer with a continuous atmospheric pressure interface and tandem mass spectrometry capability to undertake the analysis. The system was tested with various food adulterants, and was able to determine as little as 20 - 50 μg/kg of illegal dyes in chilli powder and hotpot seasoning. This developed system has promising potential for fast and in situ screening of food adulteration.

  Read the abstract here

German researchers have developed a rapid method of authentication using a mini-mass spectrometer, ambient ionisation,and mass spectrometric data statistical analysis, which shows proof of principle and great promise for on-site real-time food authentication. The laboratory built system was tested on 3 milk types, 5 fish species and 2 coffee bean types. Analysis time to run samples and reference data sets was a matter of seconds, and 100% classification accuracy was achieved for the differentiation of milk types and fish species, and 96.4% was achieved for coffee types in cross-validation experiments. Measurement of two milk mixtures yielded correct classification of >94%.

Read the abstract at: Mini MS authentication

This paper gives a review of the current and potential applications of ambient ionisation mass spectrometry in determining the authenticity of food. Ambient mass spectrometry (based on electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry) has developed rapidly in the past 18 years and covers thirty different techniques. The review reports the authentication of many foods including olive oil, dairy products, coffee, meat and fish, but quantification using ambient mass spectrometry is still an issue and requires further work. 

Read the full article at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165993616301017