Simultaneous analysis of acidulants and preservatives in food samples by using capillary zone electrophoresis with indirect UV detection

► Rapid CZE method was developed. ► Using an indirect UV detection, nine accidulants and four preservatives were detected in 8 min. ► Analytical precision of each analyte was satisfactory. ► This method was applied to analyze the acidulants and preservatives in actual food samples. ► Compared with the chromatographic method, it was available for the simultaneous determination of acidulants and preservatives in food samples without the matrix effect.