Analytical strategies for the determination of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in plant based food and examination of the transfer rate during the infusion process

Two sample preparation methods were developed (graphitised carbon and C18 solid phase extraction clean-up) and validated in house using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for the determination of 30 pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in salads, herbs, tea, herbals teas as well as tea infusion and ice-tea beverages. Total PAs concentration of samples purchased on the Belgian market varied greatly with matrix type ranging from