The method adopted by Government Laboratory for testing phthalate

The method adopted by GL for testing phthalate is summarized as follows:

1. Deuterated internal standard is added to the food sample before extraction.
2. Depending on the types of food samples, distilled solvent such as dichloromethane or acetonitrile is used for extraction of phthalates.
3. The final extract, in an appropriate solvent depending on the determination technique, is then analyzed by LC-MS/MS in MRM mode.
4. The quantification and confirmation criteria follow the EC directive 2002/657/EC.
5. For samples with complicated matrices, other analytical techniques such as standard addition method may be used for analysis.
6. As a precautionary measure, avoid using plastic ware to prevent phthalates contamination.