Comparison of spectrophotometric and HPLC methods for determining sialic acid in infant formulas

Two methods for determining sialic acid in infant formulas – spectrophotometry and HPLC with fluorescence detection – have been optimised and validated, the first one allows to determine total sialic acid while the second allows to differentiate the two main forms of sialic acid (N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc)). A common sample preparation procedure (hydrolysis and purification) for both methods has been proposed. The linearity (from 6 to 150 μg of total sialic acid in the assay for spectrophotometry, and from 12.5 to 250 ng and 1 to 5 ng of Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc, respectively, for HPLC) is adequate. The detection and quantification limits (0.29 and 0.97 mg of total sialic acid/L of reconstituted sample, respectively, for spectrophotometry, and 0.03 and 0.08 mg Neu5Ac/L; 0.003 and 0.009 mg Neu5Gc/L of reconstituted sample, respectively, for HPLC) are low enough for the determination of sialic acid in infant formulas. The precision of both methods, expressed as relative standard deviation, is less than 6%, and the accuracy evaluated by recovery assays show 104% recovery for spectrophotometry; 95% for Neu5Ac and 109% for Neu5Gc for HPLC. Samples analysed show no significant differences (α < 0.05) attributable to the method used; consequently, both of them could be applied after common sample preparation, the choice of technique depending on the facilities available in the laboratory.     

Citrinin Determination in Red Fermented Rice Products by Optimized Extraction Method Coupled to Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS)

A rapid and sensitive method was developed and validated for citrinin determination in red fermented rice products by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) under the selected reaction monitoring mode. Sample preparation was especially focused, and the quantitative methods of LC‐MS/MS and high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC‐FLD) were compared. In red fermented rice samples, the limit of detection was 1.0 μg/kg for LC‐MS/MS compared to 250 μg/kg for HPLC‐FLD, the limit of quantification was 3.0 μg/kg for LC‐MS/MS compared to 825 μg/kg for HPLC‐FLD. High correlation coefficient was obtained (R² = 0.999) within the linear range (0.1 to 100 μg/L) in the MS method. The recoveries ranging from 80.9% to 106.5% were obtained in different spiking concentrations. The average intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy ranged from 75.4% to 103.1%, and the intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were from 3.3% to 7.9%. The developed method was applied to 12 commercial red fermented rice products, and citrinin was found in 10 samples ranging from 0.14 to 44.24 mg/kg. Compared to traditional qualitative and quantitative methods, the newly developed LC‐MS/MS method for citrinin determination includes the merits of using a small amount of extraction solvent, simple preparation steps, and high sensitivity.     

高效液相色谱法测定母乳中唾液酸含量

建立荧光高效液相色谱(fluorescence detector-high performance liquid chromatography,HPLC-FLD)测定母乳中唾液酸N-乙酰神经氨酸(N-acetylneuraminic acid,Neu5Ac)和N-羟乙酰神经氨酸(N-glycolyl neuraminic acid,Neu5Gc)含量的分析方法。利用酸水解法释放出母乳中的唾液酸,以4,5-亚甲二氧基-1,2-邻苯二胺盐(4,5-methylenedioxy-1,2-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride,DMB)为衍生化试剂,50℃避光衍生150min,采用荧光高效液相色谱仪检测。色谱条件：LiChrosorb RP-18柱(250mm×4mm,5μm),流动相为甲醇-乙腈-超纯水(7:8:85),流速0.9mL/min,进样体积10μL,柱温30℃,荧光检测器激发波长373nm,发射波长448nm。结果表明：唾液酸在50～400μmol/L范围内与唾液酸峰面积的线性关系良好,平均回收率为94.0%,精密度的相对标准偏差(relative standard deviation,RSD)为0.4%,稳定性RSD为1.0%,重复性RSD为0.8%,Neu5Ac的最低检出限为0.02μmol/L,Neu5Gc的最低检出限位0.03μmol/L。该方法简单、重复性好、灵敏度高,可广泛用于奶粉、牛奶及母乳中唾液酸含量测定。     

高效液相色谱-荧光检测法测定红肉及其加工肉中唾液酸含量

采用高效液相色谱-荧光检测法对红肉及其加工肉中两种唾液酸N-乙酰神经氨酸（N-acetylneuraminic acid,Neu5Ac）和N-羟乙酰神经氨酸（N-glycolylneuraminic acid,Neu5Gc）进行定性和定量分析。利用单因素试验对衍生化与样品酸解条件进行优化,并借助超声缩短酸解时间。结果表明,以盐酸作为酸解试剂,超声辅助酸解30 min,4,5-亚甲二氧基-1,2-邻苯二胺盐作为衍生化试剂,衍生化试剂浓度为13 mmol/L,样品与衍生化试剂比值为1∶1,衍生化时间120 min时,检测效果最佳。Neu5Ac和Neu5Gc在0.1～10 μg/mL范围内线性良好,回收率为91.2%～119.7%,检出限分别为0.003 mg/kg和0.01 mg/kg,重复性的相对标准偏差（relative standard deviation,RSD）为0.7%～1.8%,精密度RSD分别为1.4%和1.2%。本方法具有灵敏度高、分析时间短、重复性及准确性好等特点。     

Determination of sialic acids in infant formula by chromatographic methods: a comparison of high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography methods

Sialic acid determination in an infant formula presents many challenges, including efficient sialic acid release from glycoconjugates, effective sample preparation, and rugged chromatography. This work compares 2 chromatographic assays developed for determination of sialic acids in infant formula. Prior to chromatography, both assays release sialic acids by acid hydrolysis and treat the hydrolysate with a subsequent anion-exchange sample preparation. Both high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) and fluorescence ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) sample analysis methods were evaluated to compare assay performance and convenience. Calibration ranges were chosen to encompass the expected amounts of 2 sialic acids in infant formula: N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc). Response was linear by either method with coefficients of determination of 1.00 by HPAEC-PAD between 5.0 and 100pmol of Neu5Ac and between 0.34 and 6.8 pmol of Neu5Gc and >0.99 by UHPLC between 5.0 and 260 pmol of Neu5Ac and between 0.20 and 9.8 pmol of Neu5Gc. Both methods had sufficient sensitivity to determine these sialic acids in infant formula. Three infant formulas were analyzed to evaluate accuracy and precision of the assays. The HPAEC-PAD assay was found to be faster overall and the UHPLC assay was more sensitive. Reaction efficiency, and therefore sensitivity, was dependent on the sample matrix. This work illustrates sample-specific complexity that must be considered in choosing an assay.     

Identification of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant peptides in a whey protein concentrate hydrolysate produced at semi‐pilot scale

Antioxidant and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides were identified in a 5 kDa ultrafiltration permeate of a whey protein hydrolysate generated at semi‐pilot scale. Further laboratory scale ultrafiltration of this 5 kDa permeate resulted in a 0.65 kDa permeate with antioxidant, (1.11 ± 0.074 μmol TE per mg dry weight, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, ORAC) and ACE inhibitory (ACE IC₅₀ 0.215 ± 0.043 mg mL^?1) activities. Semi‐preparative (SP) reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) of the 0.65 kDa permeate resulted in a fraction (SP_F3) with a 4.4‐fold increase in ORAC activity (4.83 ± 0.45 μmol TE mg dry weight) and a 1.3‐fold increase in ACE inhibitory activity (84.35 ± 1.36% inhibition when assayed at 0.28 mg mL^?1). Peptides within SP_F3 were identified using UPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS. Met‐Pro‐Ile had the highest ORAC activity (205.75 ± 12.08 μmol TE per mmol peptide) while Met‐Ala‐Ala and Val‐Ala‐Gly‐Thr had the highest ACE inhibitory activities (IC₅₀:515.50 ± 1.11 and 610.30 ± 2.41 μm , respectively).     

Analysis of multiresidue pesticides in dried hops by LC–MS/MS using QuEChERS extraction together with dSPE clean‐up

A simple and selective method is reported for the simultaneous determination of 48 fungicide, insecticide and herbicide residues in hops by LC–MS/MS. The extraction of pesticide residues from the hop matrix was conducted by a method based on the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) sample preparation approach in combination with dispersive solid‐phase extraction using various sorbent blends consisting of primary–secondary amine, C₁₈ and zirconia based sorbents. The matrix effect of all applied sorbent blends was evaluated. The results showed that the QuEChERS method required further optimization of the dispersive solid‐phase extraction cleaning step owing to co‐extraction of matrix components such as chlorophyll and hop resins. These contaminants resulted in signal suppression, elevated background, and other negative matrix effects. The accuracy, precision, specificity, linearity, limit of detection and limit of quantification were evaluated. The recovery ranged from 70 to 120% for most of the pesticides and RSD was <20% for all pesticides. The limit of quantification was estimated at 0.02 mg/kg or, in the worst cases, 0.05 mg/kg. The results meet the European Commission standard legislation, implying that this method is both accurate and reproducible. Copyright © 2018 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

N-丙酰-唾液酸衍生物的化学酶法合成及在测定禽蛋中唾液酸含量的应用

为实现禽类蛋黄和蛋清中N-乙酰神经氨酸（N-acetylneuraminic acid,Neu5Ac）的准确定量,消除禽蛋样品中分析物以外的物质产生的基质效应对分析结果造成的影响,本研究以甘露糖胺为底物采用化学酶法合成了非天然唾液酸衍生物5-溴-4-氯-3-吲哚-β-D-半乳糖苷-N-丙酰-唾液酸（5-Bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-β-D-galactopyranoside-N-propionyl-sialic acid,X-Gal-α-2,6-Neu5Prop）,对该衍生物在酸性条件下的水解特性以及稳定性进行研究,并以该衍生物为内标测定了鹌鹑、鹅、珍珠鸡、鸵鸟、鸭、鸽子、火鸡等9种禽类蛋黄和蛋清中Neu5Ac的含量。禽蛋样品和内标物在酸性条件下处理,唾液酸糖缀合物被解离为游离的唾液酸后经荧光标记物邻苯二胺衍生,采用高效液相色谱-荧光检测器对样品进行分析。结果表明,相同浓度的X-Gal-α-2,6-Neu5Ac和X-Gal-α-2,6-Neu5Prop在2 mol/L的醋酸溶液80℃的水解条件下水解程度相当,90 min后能够完全转化为游离的唾液酸。Neu5Ac和Neu5Prop在10 h内仍保持相似的稳定性。蛋清中Neu5Ac的含量在不同物种之间表现出很大的差异。鹌鹑蛋清中Neu5Ac的含量最低（0.13 mg/g）,而鸵鸟蛋清中的最高（2.20 mg/g）,比鹌鹑蛋清Neu5Ac含量高出近17倍。该方法能够消除生物样品中的基质效应,实现对Neu5Ac的准确定量,且样品前处理简单。因此,适合常规食品中Neu5Ac的检测与分析。     

特殊医学用途婴儿配方食品中生物素含量的测定

本研究建立了超高效液相色谱-串联质谱法测定特殊医学用途婴儿配方食品中生物素含量的分析方法。样品经0.2 mol/L磷酸121℃水解30 min提取,并通过生物素免疫亲和柱净化后,采用Acquity UPLC BEH C18(100 mm×2.1 mm,1.7μm)色谱柱进行分离,以乙腈-0.1%甲酸溶液为流动相进行梯度洗脱,经电喷雾电离串联质谱在多离子反应监测(MRM)模式下进行测定,内标法定量。在最优化条件下,生物素在0.50~50.00 ng/mL范围内线性关系良好(R²=0.9986),方法检出限为0.75μg/100 g。特殊医学用途婴儿配方食品中生物素相对标准偏差在0.42%~4.77%之间,不同添加浓度回收率为97.27%~102.06%。该方法具有样品处理操作简单,灵敏度高,分析周期短等优点,可以满足特殊医学用途婴儿配方食品中生物素含量的测定,可为企业质量控制和政府监管提供有力的技术支撑。     

高效液相色谱串联质谱法测定蔬果中啶酰菌胺和环酰菌胺残留

建立蔬菜和水果中啶酰菌胺和环酰菌胺的高效液相色谱串联质谱检测方法。将试样中残留的啶酰菌胺和环酰菌胺用含1%乙酸的乙腈溶液均质提取,提取液混合使用乙二胺-N-丙基硅烷和十八烷基硅烷键合相基质分散净化,用高效液相色谱串联质谱检测和确证,外标法定量;方法通过空白基质溶液稀释标准建立校正的标准曲线,以消除基质效应。结果表明：啶酰菌胺和环酰菌胺在1～100μg/L范围内具有良好的线性关系,相关系数分别为0.9996和0.9997;在5～50μg/kg范围内,平均添加回收率在77.7%～93.8%之间,相对标准偏差在2.1%～6.3%之间。啶酰菌胺和环酰菌胺方法定量限分别为1.32μg/kg和1.20μg/kg,检出限分别为0.395μg/kg和0.361μg/kg。     

Simultaneous determination of 22 residual steroid hormones in milk by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Food safety and consumers’ health are paramount; therefore, it is essential to establish a novel method to determine hormone content in milk. Herein, a novel method was developed that can simultaneously determine 22 residual steroid hormones in milk. To obtain the maximum detection sensitivity, the preparation method of sample, mass spectrometer parameters and liquid chromatography conditions were optimised. The samples were concentrated using Oasis HLB solid‐phase extraction cartridge, followed by quantification via liquid chromatography (C18 column)–tandem mass spectrometer (LC‐MS). Determination of oestrogens and glucocorticoids was conducted in negative mode, whereas androgens and progesterone were in positive multiple reaction monitoring mode. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the target compounds were 0.10–1.20 μg/kg and 0.33–3.96 μg/kg, respectively. The average extraction recoveries of 22 steroid hormones were generally high (82.6–95.3%). The proposed method can be an effective alternative to measure hormonal compounds in milk.     

Rapid and simple method for the determination in sialic acid of yak milk fat globule membrane

A rapid and simple method for the determination of sialic acid (Neu5Ac) of yak milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) by HPLC with a diode array detector was developed and validated. Samples were cleaned up just by hydrolysis and derivatization before HPLC analysis. Separation was achieved with an Agilent TC-C18 column. The method showed a good linearity (r=0.997), the sensitivity results showed that the limits of detection and limits of quantification for sialic acid were 10.0 and 21.0 μg/mL, respectively. The recovery of Neu5Ac was 95–97%. The method proved very simple and rapid for Neu5Ac analysis since separation was completely achieved at 12 min.     

超高效液相色谱串联质谱法直接测定婴幼儿乳粉中牛磺酸

采用超高效液相色谱串联质谱技术,以婴幼儿乳粉中的牛磺酸为研究对象,从样品处理方法,基质效应以及影响电喷雾离子源的电离因素3 个方面进行优化,建立了一个样品处理简单、快捷,基质效应低,灵敏度高的检测方法。结果表明,方法的回收率在72%～97%之间,相对标准偏差为2.16%～3.33%。该方法的仪器检出限为50 μg/L,方法检出限为1 mg/L,应用外标法定量,能够达到欧盟及我国婴幼儿乳粉中牛磺酸的检测要求。整个分析过程在8 min内完成,适合于大批量检测婴幼儿乳粉中牛磺酸的测定。     

LC/MS/MS detection of fungicide guazatine residues for quality assessment of commercial citrus fruit

An analytical protocol was developed for investigating guazatine occurrence in citrus fruit with the aim of controlling the import of treated fruits in countries where the use of this fungicide is forbidden. The main constituents of guazatine mixture (GN, GG, GNG, GGN, GGG, GGGN and GGGG) and the internal standard (dodine) were separated by high performance liquid chromatography using a hydrophilic end-capped Aquasil C₁₈ column and detected by ESI/MS/MS of parent ions, operating in positive mode. Extraction from citrus peels was performed with 1% HCOOH in water/acetone (1:2 v/v). The analytical method was statistically validated on three of the main constituents (GG, GGN and GGG) representing more than 65% of the total content. The regression lines, ranging from 0.100 to 3.750 mg/L of total guazatine, showed r ² > 0.990. Recoveries of about 81, 90 and 104% were obtained on average for the fortification level of 0.010, 0.035 and 0.060 mg/kg, respectively; the relative standard deviations ranged from 2 to 8% (n = 6). The limit of detection was below 0.0050 mg/kg, while the limit of quantification did not exceed 0.0065 mg/kg. The method was successfully applied to 77 samples of extra-European citrus fruit collected in the Italian market during the summer 2007. The results demonstrated that 64% of the investigated citrus samples contained guazatine over the residue limit value of 0.010 mg/kg for not allowed pesticides, evidencing the alarming illicit employ of this fungicide in citrus post-harvest treatments.     

Determination of Xylazine and 2,6‐Xylidine in Animal Tissues by Liquid Chromatography—Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Xylazine is a potent α2‐adrenergic agonist used in veterinary medicine for sedation, analgesia, muscle relaxation, and so on. Its residue in animal‐derived food may cause the food safety problem. Moreover, the metabolite 2,6‐xylidine was reported to be a genotoxic and carcinogenic compound. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a high sensitive method for analyzing xylazine and metabolite residue in animal products. Here, we described a LC‐MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of xylazine and 2,6‐xylidine in 4 animal tissues: liver, meat, kidney, and fat. The samples were extracted by acetonitrile, and further clean up by hexane. The analysis was performed on a C18 reversed‐phase column and API 5000 Triple Quadrupole mass spectrometry with positive electrospray ionization interface operating in the multiple‐reaction monitoring mode. For all of the investigated sample matrix, the limit of detection (limit of quantitation) for xylazine and 2,6‐xylidine were 0.06 (0.2) and 1.5 (5) μg/kg, respectively, the recoveries were between 63.5% and 90.8%. The precision was within the range of required criteria for method development. The presented method is sensitive and reproducible, and thus suitable for accurate quantification of xylazine and metabolite residue in animal‐derived food products.     

Quantitative UPLC‐MS/MS analysis of chlorogenic acid derivatives in antioxidant fractionates from dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root

While qualitative studies have identified chlorogenic acids in antioxidant extracts, particularly ethyl acetate‐derived extracts, of Taraxacum officinale, quantitative analysis of these phenolic compounds remains largely unreported for this species. In this study, bioactivity‐guided fractionation of an antioxidant crude ethyl acetate extract (DPPH = 295.481 ± 0.955 mg TE g^?1 extract) from T. officinale root resulted in a number of reverse‐phase fractions that demonstrated high antioxidant activity (DPPH = 1058.733–1312.136 mg TE g^?1 extract), stronger than that of the synthetic antioxidant Trolox^®. UPLC‐MS/MS screening of these fractions for the presence of selected mono‐ and di‐caffeoylquinic acids revealed large quantities of 1,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid present in several fractions (853.052–907.324 μg mg^?1), respectively. Due to the antioxidant potency and high levels of 1,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid observed in these fractions, it was concluded that specifically this chlorogenic acid derivative is a major contributor to the antioxidant efficacy of dandelion root.     

Phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of white mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruits

Eight major mulberry cultivars [Nakhonratchasima 60 (NS 60), Buriram 60 (BR 60), Chumphon (CP), Wavee (WV), Chaingmai (CM), Pikultong (PT), Kamphaengsaen (KS) and Kamnanchul (KJ)] cultivated in Thailand were assessed for their flavonoid and phenolic acid composition using HPLC and tested for antioxidant potential using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) assay. The total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 104.78 to 213.53 mg GAE/100 g DW, and total flavonoid content (TFC) ranged from 69.58 to 211.01 mg CE/100 g DW. The major flavonoid compounds in mulberry fruit cultivars were (+)‐catechin (309.26–750.01 mg/100 g DW), procyanidin B1 (62.59–224.41 mg/100 g DW), quercetin (5.36–58.42 mg/100 g DW), rutin (18.73–26.90 mg/100 g DW) and (?)‐epicatechin (8.47–29.21 mg/100 g DW). Gallic acid, cinnamic acid and p‐hydroxybenzoic acid were found to be the major phenolic acids in mulberry fruit cultivars. The gallic acid and cinnamic acid contents ranged from 7.33 to 23.90 mg/100 g DW and from 11.64 to 15.05 mg/100 g DW, respectively. p‐Hydroxybenzoic acid content ranged from 1.77 mg/100 g DW (PT) to 7.13 mg/100 g DW (KJ). DPPH‐scavenging ability was excellent for ethanolic extract of NS 60, and EC₅₀ value of NS 60 (241.83 μg mL^?1) was significantly lower than those of the others (P < 0.05). TPC and TFC of the mulberry fruit were positively correlated with the DPPH‐scavenging ability.     

Quantification of (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin in coconut water by LC–MS

An analytical technique has been developed to detect trace amounts of both (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin in the coconut water extract. Both (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin in the coconut water were found for the first time by the solid-phase extraction, and they were further analysed using liquid chromatography (LC)–ion trap mass spectrometry (MS) equipped with positive atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation interface on multiple reaction monitoring mode. The limit of detection and quantification for (+)-catechin were 7.8 and 15.6 μg/ml, respectively, while those for (−)-epicatechin were 3.9 and 7.8 μg/ml, respectively. The average concentration of (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin in the coconut water was 0.344 and 0.242 μg/ml, respectively. The LC–MS/MS analysis accelerated the quantitative analysis of (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin in the coconut water extract with high accuracy, precision and recovery. Results obtained in this study will serve as quality control and useful reference for drug development.     

An improved method for the measurement of 3‐monochloropropanediol esters by matrix solid‐phase dispersion supported liquid–liquid extraction

3‐Monochloropropanediol (3‐MCPD) esters are contaminants produced from the high‐temperature processing of edible oils. The accurate measurement of 3‐MCPD using an easy‐to‐follow and reliable method that uses a readily available instrument is important. Here, we report an acid transesterification heptafluorobutyrylimidazole (HFBI) derivatisation method for the accurate measurement of 3‐MCPD esters in edible oils. We developed a dispersed matrix solid‐phase supported liquid–liquid extraction (DMSP‐SLE) system to remove impurities. Both the transesterification and DMSP‐SLE conditions were optimised. A good linear relationship was obtained within the range of 0.05–10 mg kg^?1 (R² ≥ 0.999) in both blank solvent and an oil sample. The limit of detection was 20.36 μg kg^?1. The average recovery of the 3‐MCPD esters spiked at 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg kg^?1 into a blank oil matrix was in a range from 105.09 ± 2.77% to 120.16 ± 10.88%. The method we developed was further confirmed by performing detection on a Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS) sample.     

Development and Application of a Method for the Analysis of 9 Mycotoxins in Maize by HPLC‐MS/MS

A reliable and sensitive liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous determination of aflatoxins (AFB₁, AFB₂, AFG₁, and AFG₂), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA), fumonisin B₁ (FB₁), and T2‐toxin in maize. The samples were first extracted using acetonitrile: water: acetic acid (79 : 20 : 1), and then further cleaned‐up using OASIS HLB cartridge. Optimum conditions for the extraction and chromatographic separation were investigated. The mean recoveries of mycotoxins in spiked maize ranged from 68.3% to 94.3%. Limits of detection and quantification ranged from 0.01 to 0.64 μg/kg and from 0.03 to 2.12 μg/kg, respectively. The LC‐MS/MS method has also been successfully applied to 60 maize samples, which were collected from Shaanxi Province of China. Twenty‐four of the total 60 samples (40%) were contaminated with at least 1 of these 9 mycotoxins. Occurrence of mycotoxins were 6.7%, 1.7%, 3.3%, 6.7%, 1.7%, 23.3%, and 3.3% for AFB₁, AFB₂, OTA, ZEA, DON, FB₁, and T2‐toxin, respectively. The results demonstrated that the procedure was suitable for the simultaneous determination of these mycotoxins in maize matrix.