Applicability of accelerated solvent extraction for synthetic colorants analysis in meat products with ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array detection

Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) coupled with ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) with photodiode array detection (PDA) has been used for the quantitative determination of synthetic colorants in meat products. Samples were extracted with ethanol–water–ammonia with a ratio of 75:24:1 (v/v/v) using ASE instrument at 85 °C. As a result, all the colorants in meat products were separated using an optimized gradient elution within 3.5 min. Detection and quantification limits of synthetic colorants were in the ranges of 0.01–0.02 mg kg−1 and 0.05 mg kg−1, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day precision of the synthetic colorants were ranged between 1.7% (E123) to 5.2% (E124) and 3.2% (E124) to 6.0% (E129), respectively. The intra-day and inter-day recoveries of the synthetic colorants were ranged between 76.9% (E124) to 84.9% (E102) and 76.3% (E124) to 84.3% (E127), respectively. The method has been applied for the determination of seven synthetic colorants in meat products.

Graphical abstract.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A method has been used for determination of synthetic colorants in meat products. ► Samples were extracted with ethanol–water–ammonia (75:24:1, v/v/v) using ASE at 85 °C. ► Successful separation was obtained using gradient elution within 3.5 min. ► Detection limits of synthetic colorants were in the ranges of 0.01–0.02 mg kg−1.