Development of a simple screening method for analyzing cereulide toxin in fried rice using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PURPOSE: The presence of cereulide, an emetic toxin produced by Bacillus cereus, in fried rice samples is critical evidence of food poisoning even in situations where B. cereus could not be detected. This study aims to develop a screening method for analyzing cereulide in fried rice using the QuEChERS procedure and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). METHODS: Cereulide was identified and quantified in fried rice samples using the QuEChERS extraction method and LC-MS/MS. The accuracies of the methods were determined by analyzing fortified blank samples at two concentrations (10 and 50 µg/kg) conducted on three samples daily for five days. RESULTS: The QuEChERS procedure removed matrix compounds from fried rice. Characteristic MS/MS spectra enabled the identification of cereulide. As the matrix effects in seven fried rice samples were within ± 6%, an external solvent calibration curve could be used for quantification. This method exhibited good accuracy ranging from 88 to 89%. The relative standard deviations for both repeatability and intra-laboratory reproducibility were < 4%. These standard deviations satisfied the criteria of the Japanese validation guidelines for residues (MHLW 2010, Director Notice, Syoku-An No. 1224-1). The limit of quantification was 2 µg/kg. The applicability of this method was confirmed using the analysis of cereulide in fried rice samples incubated with emetic Bacillus cereus. CONCLUSIONS: The QuEChERS extraction procedure described herein showed substantial promise as a reliable screening tool for cereulide in fried rice sample.

Simultaneous determination of five carbapenems, highly polar antibiotics, in milk by LC-MS/MS.

The simultaneous determination of five carbapenems (biapenem, doripenem, ertapenem, imipenem, and meropenem) in raw and pasteurised bovine milk samples using LC-MS/MS was achieved and validated. Chromatographic separation was conducted on an InertSustain® AQ-C18 column using 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile as the mobile phase. Target compounds were extracted using acetonitrile/water (20:80, v/v). After the removal of lipids with acetonitrile-saturated hexane, the dissolved protein was denatured with acetic acid. A portion of the supernatant was passed through an Oasis® PRiME HLB cartridge to remove the matrix. This novel method was validated in accordance with the Japanese validation guidelines and exhibited good trueness, ranging from 86.3% to 96.2%, using matrix-matched calibration curves. The relative standard deviation of repeatability ranged from 1.0% to 6.3%, and that of within-laboratory reproducibility ranged from 1.6% to 7.1%. The limit of quantification was 1.0 µg kg-1 for all analytes. None of the 60 milk samples commercially available in Tokyo contained any analytes. This novel method exhibited high-quality performance and can easily be implemented for the routine monitoring of carbapenems, which are highly polar antibiotics in milk.

[Single-laboratory Validation Study and Surveillance Using an Improved Multiresidue Analytical Method for Veterinary Drugs in Livestock Products by LC-MS/MS].

A method for the rapid analysis of multiclass residual veterinary drugs in poultry muscle, egg, and raw milk was validated in accordance with Japanese guidelines. Using LC-MS/MS, 20 veterinary drugs, including sulfonamides, coccidiostats, and macrolides were analyzed in one injection. Analytes were extracted from the samples with acetonitrile and then dehydrated and salted out using magnesium sulfate, trisodium citrate, and sodium chloride. This method was assessed by performing recovery tests of chicken muscle, duck muscle, egg, and raw milk spiked with 20 new target analytes at concentrations of 10 and 100 µg/kg. According to this method, 17 out of 20 target analytes satisfied the guideline criteria in chicken muscle and duck muscle, and all 20 target analytes met the criteria in egg and raw milk. The limit of quantification was less than MRLs for all analytes. Residues were detected in 4 out of 99 samples and analyzed using the validated method, finding that the levels of all residues were lower than the limits of quantification. These results suggest that continuous monitoring for a new trend of veterinary drugs is necessary.

Validation and application of an immunochromatographic test to detect four macrolides and two lincosamides in raw cow milk.

In this study, an immunochromatographic test (using the Charm QUAD2® Test) was used to screen for residual macrolides and lincosamides in raw cow's milk. The validation parameters (selectivity/specificity, detection capability (CCß), and ruggedness) were in agreement with the requirements of[EC] 2021. The selectivity of the immunochromatographic test was verified by the negative results of microbiological tests. The false-positive rate was 0%. The CCß values of the immunochromatographic test for various antibiotics in milk were as follows: erythromycin 0.02 mg/kg, spiramycin 0.1 mg/kg, tilmicosin 0.025 mg/kg, tylosin 0.05 mg/kg, lincomycin 0.15 mg/kg, and pirlimycin 0.15 mg/kg. The determined CCß values were lower than the respective maximum residue limits (MRLs; regulatory limits in Japan) for milk, except for lincomycin (equal to the MRL). The presence of antibiotic groups other than macrolides and lincosamides did not interfere with the specificity of the test. It showed no significant difference in lot-to-lot repeatability. The results obtained by the two researchers showed no significant differences. Finally, the test was applied to milk samples obtained from a tylosin-treated cow. The outcome was positive and in agreement with the results of the chemical analytical and microbiological methods. Therefore, this validated immunochromatographic test is expected to be suitable for routine analysis to ensure milk safety.

Proteomic identification and quantification of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin using a stable isotope-labelled peptide via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PURPOSE: Detection of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) in human stool is critical evidence of food poisoning. However, processing patient-derived samples is difficult and very few methods exist to confirm the presence of CPE. In this study, a technique was developed using proteomic analysis to identify and quantify CPE in artificial gut fluid as an alternative. METHODS: The standard CPE was spiked into artificial gut fluids, and effective methods were developed by employing both a stable isotope-labelled internal standard peptide and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS: Proteotypic peptide EILDLAAATER formed by tryptic digestion was selected for quantitation of CPE. The peptide was identified using product ion spectra. Although the nontoxic peptides originating from CPE showed very low detectability in extraction and tryptic digestion, they could be detected with sufficient sensitivity using the method we developed. Based on a spiked recovery test at two concentrations (50 and 200 µg/kg), the recovery values were 85 and 78%, respectively. The relative standard deviations of repeatability and within-laboratory reproducibility were less than 8 and 11%, respectively. These standard deviations satisfied the criteria of the Japanese validation guidelines for residues (MHLW 2010, Director Notice, Syoku-An No. 1224-1). The limit of quantification (LOQ) was estimated to be 50 µg/kg. The combination of the product ion spectra and relative ion ratio supported CPE identification at the LOQ level. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of proteomic analysis of CPE using LC-MS/MS. The method would greatly help in assessing CPE reliably.

Monitoring of residual antibacterial agents in animal and fishery products in Tokyo from 2003 to 2019: application and verification of a screening strategy based on microbiological methods.

Residual antibacterial agents in 5909 animal and fishery products in Tokyo, Japan, were investigated over 17 consecutive years (2003-2019). Monitoring of 32 antibacterial agents (lincosamides, macrolides, penicillins, quinorones and tetracyclines) per product was accomplished via two steps: screening (by microbiological methods) and confirmation (by instrumental methods). Microbiological screening methods identified presumptive groups and determined semi-quantitative values. The instrumental methods quantified 81 residues of 11 different antibacterial agents in 72 samples. The screening strategy based on microbiological methods demonstrated the following: (i) the majority of the samples (over 99%) met Japanese regulations, (ii) using multiple methods provided a reliable inspection system with accurate quantitative values and (iii) there was a constant presence of tetracyclines and unexpected residues (lincomycin and norfloxacin) in various products. Thus, this long-term monitoring and screening strategy provided evidence that the frequencies and trends of residual antibacterial agents not only enhance food safety but also help to prevent antimicrobial resistance.

[Determination of Antibacterial Agents for Animals in Swine Muscles by Microbiological Screening and LC-MS/MS].

The determination of antibacterial agents for animals in swine muscles was improved by microbiological screening and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analyses. In the first instance, the residual drugs were extracted from the samples using the Na2EDTA-McIlvaine buffer (pH 6.0). Subsequently, the agents were purified utilizing a PLS-3 cartridge and extracted with acetonitrile. Considering the microbiological methods, the sensitivities of the investigated drugs were higher and the test plate conditions were improved using a new reference organism Geobacillus stearothermophilus. As a result, a microbiological screening approach able to detect 33 drugs at MRL was developed in Japan. Remarkable, no false positives were detected. Moreover, the same preparation method enabled rapid and reliable microbiological screening, resulting in efficient screening with no undeterminable results.

Development of an alternative approach for detecting botulinum neurotoxin type A in honey: Analysis of non-toxic peptides with a reference labelled protein via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

In this study, we developed a reference labelled protein containing the partial amino acid sequence of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNTA). We also applied it as an internal standard to detect specific and non-toxic peptides originated from BoNTA in honey with the use of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Original proteins in the honey sample were collected through a two-step process that included solubilisation and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) precipitation. Solubilisation by adding water enabled processing of proteins in honey. TCA precipitation collected proteins without specific binding. The combination of protein alkylation and an appropriate enzyme-to-protein ratio ensured feasibility of tryptic digestion. A desalting process eliminated a large amount of salts and other tryptic peptides in the honey sample. The use of the reference labelled protein enabled compensation for tryptic digestion efficiency and electrospray ionisation efficiency based on LC-MS/MS measurement. After the peptide selection and protein BlastP analysis, five unique peptides were chosen. The non-toxic peptides originating from BoNTA were reliably detected using LC-MS/MS based on a multiple-reaction monitoring mode. Detection of several peptides ensured screening of BoNTA in honey samples. Based on the responses, the proteotypic peptide LYGIAINPNR was selected as the quantitative peptide. Due to maintaining the relative ion ratios, the selective transition completely identified the non-toxic peptides. The intensity of the transitions established a detection limit of BoNTA estimated to be 9.4 ng mL-1. Although extraction efficiency was not evaluated using the BoNTA standard, the results suggested this method may be used for quantification of BoNTA in honey. The method was applied to 19 honey samples purchased in Tokyo; none of them was found to contain the target toxin. Overall, the method is expected to accelerate BoNTA monitoring for food safety.

[Determination of Antifungal Drugs in Fish and Livestock Products Using LC-MS/MS].

We developed an analytical method for determining 15 antifungal drugs, 2 antiparasitic drugs, and 3 veterinary drugs in fish and livestock products using LC-MS/MS. First, 50% ethanol was added to their products, and the mixture was homogenized to reduce drug degradation. Thereafter, 20 drugs were extracted from the pretreated sample mixture using acetonitrile. Cleanup was performed using an alumina-N SPE cartridge. Finally, chromatographic separation was performed using a fully porous octadecyl silanized silica column. The new method is applicable to fish in which the matrix hampers accurate analysis. It was validated on 8 fish and livestock products. Drug recovery rates ranged from 70.2 to 109.3%, RSDs of repeatability were <18.0%, and RSDs of within-laboratory reproducibility were <18.7%. It fulfills the Japanese guideline criteria. The limits of quantification were estimated as 3 ng/g.

Quantification of staphylococcal enterotoxin type A in cow milk by using a stable isotope-labelled peptide via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

In this study, the staphylococcal enterotoxin type A (SEA) contaminant was quantified in cow milk by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with the use of a stable isotope-labelled peptide of SEA as an internal standard. SEA was cleaned up in a two-step process that included pH control and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) precipitation. The pH control phase eliminated other proteins. TCA precipitation cleaned up SEA without special equipment. An appropriate enzyme-to-protein ratio maximised tryptic digestion. A desalting process guaranteed the stable retention of SEA-digested peptides. The coverage of amino-acid sequences (>10%) clearly identified the toxin's presence. SEA was accurately quantified using LC-MS/MS based on a multiple-reaction monitoring mode. The developed method was validated based on spiked recovery tests at 50 and 100 µg kg-1 conducted with two samples collected on a daily basis for five days based on Japanese validation guidelines. The new method exhibited good accuracy which ranged from 80% to 82%. The relative standard deviations of repeatability were 13-14% and the relative standard deviations of within-laboratory reproducibility were 13-18%. These standard deviations satisfied the criteria of the Japanese validation guidelines. The quantification limit was estimated to be 10 µg kg-1.

Identification and quantification of cereulide in cow's milk using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

In this study, the presence of cereulide in cow's milk was identified and quantified using our validated method with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Cereulide was concentrated using protein acid-precipitation and extracted from the precipitate by using acetonitrile twice. The combination of protein acid-precipitation and extraction sufficiently eliminated the matrix compounds from the milk and a further clean-up step utilising solid-phase extraction could be omitted. For robustly measuring the samples and keeping the MS devices clean, the extraction solution was diluted 10-fold using methanol. Owing to the minimisation of the interferences caused by fragmentation patterns, multiple reaction monitoring information-dependent acquisition-enhanced product ion spectra enabled the characterisation and identification of cereulide. Besides the matrix effect (-4%), an external solvent calibration curve was adapted for accurate quantification. The method was validated using fortified recovery tests, at two concentrations (10 and 50 µg kg-1), using three samples daily on five different days based on the Japanese guidelines. This new method exhibited good accuracy ranging from 91% to 94%. The relative standard deviations of repeatability ranged from 2% to 5%, and the relative standard deviation of within-laboratory reproducibility ranged from 5% to 6%. These standard deviations satisfied the criteria for the Japanese validation guidelines. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was estimated to be 2 µg kg-1. On the product ion spectra at the LOQ level, the library match was satisfactory with a purity fit value of >70%. The method was applied to 14 raw milk and three milk samples pasteurised using the low-temperature, long-time process and collected in Tokyo. None of the samples was found to contain the target toxin.

[Determination of Cyromazine in Livestock Products by LC-MS/MS on an Anion-Cation Exchange Mode ODS Column].

Cyromazine in livestock products was determined using a validated LC-MS/MS method. There are three key points in our methods. First, the extraction was performed with two solutions, methanol and pH 3.0 McIlvaine buffer. The process was optimized for each type of sample. Secondly, cleanup was performed using a reversed-phase and strong cation exchange mixed-mode cartridge. The cartridge was washed with 0.14％ ammonium solution. Thirdly, the chromatographic separation was performed on an anion-cation exchange mode ODS column. There was no matrix effect on the extraction and determination for five livestock products. The quantification was carried out using an external standard calibration curve. This new method satisfies the Japanese guideline criteria. Recovery ranged from 77.2 to 92.1％, the relative standard deviation of repeatability （RSDr） was under 2.2％, and RSDwr was under 6.1％. Residual cyromazine was detected in raw milks and eggs.

Simultaneous determination of multi-class veterinary drugs in chicken processed foods and muscle using solid-supported liquid extraction clean-up.

We developed a simultaneous determination method for 37 veterinary drugs in two chicken processed foods (deep-fried chicken and non-fried chicken cutlet) and muscle via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The veterinary drugs belong to 7 different classes, including 4 antifolics, 4 benzimidazoles, 5 macrolides, 7 polyethers, 2 quinolones, 7 sulfonamides, and 8 other classes. The samples were extracted with ethyl acetate followed by acetonitrile with salt and buffers extraction. The two-step extraction enabled analyte extraction from highly lipid samples. The clean-up procedure, a solid-supported liquid extraction clean-up using a diatomaceous earth mini-cartridge, eliminated lipid co-extraction. The prepared sample matrix did not have an effect on the 36 analytes. The method was validated in accordance with the requirements of Japanese validation guidelines. Almost all targeted veterinary drugs successfully satisfied the guideline criteria in the three types of food matrices. The method exhibited recoveries of 70-105%, and the precision of repeatability and within-laboratory reproducibility ranged from 1 to 11% and 1 to 15%, respectively. The limits of quantification were estimated to range from 0.2 to 1.0µg/kg. Applying this method to samples commercially available in Tokyo, residues were detected in 3 out of 26 deep-fried chickens, 5 out of 20 non-fried chicken cutlets, and 17 out of 39 chicken muscles.

Simultaneous determination of amantadine, rimantadine, and memantine in processed products, chicken tissues, and eggs by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

A simultaneous determination of amantadine, rimantadine, and memantine in processed products (deep-fried chicken, fried chicken, fried quail egg, and grilled chicken) with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed. This new method was also applicable for chicken tissue (muscle, liver, and gizzard) and eggs. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Kinetex® XB-C18 core-shell technology column using a mobile phase of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in a 10mmol/L ammonium formate solution, resulting in the complete separation of isomers (rimantadine and memantine) and any other obstructive peaks from the sample matrices. Sample preparation was performed by a modified QuEChERS method using acetonitrile and a 0.1% acetic acid extraction solution and cleaned using an Oasis® MCX cartridge. The sample matrix had no effect on the identification of the compounds. For quantification, an external solvent calibration curve was used. This new method exhibited good accuracy ranging from 79.9% to 91.5%. The relative standard deviation of repeatability (RSDr) ranged from 1.2% to 3.6% and the relative standard deviation of within-laboratory reproducibility (RSDWR) ranged from 1.3% to 6.0%. These standard deviations satisfied the criteria for Japanese validation guidelines. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 1.0µg/kg for all samples. Analyte residues were not detected in 55 samples using the validated method.

Multi-residue Determination of Polar Veterinary Drugs in Livestock and Fishery Products by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Residues of 37 polar veterinary drugs belonging to six families (quinolones, tetracyclines, macrolides, lincosamides, sulfonamides, and others) in livestock and fishery products were determined using a validated LC-MS/MS method. There were two key points in sample preparation. First, extraction was performed with two solutions of different polarity. Highly polar compounds were initially extracted with Na2EDTA-McIlvaine's buffer (pH 7.0). Medium polar compounds were then extracted from the same samples with acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid. Secondly, cleanup was performed using a single SPE polymer cartridge. The first extracted solution was applied to the cartridge. Highly polar compounds were retained on the cartridge. Then, the second extracted solution was applied to the same cartridge. Both highly and medium polar compounds were eluted from the cartridge. This method satisfied the guideline criteria for 37 out of 37 drugs in swine muscle, chicken muscle, bovine muscle, prawn, salmon trout, red sea bream, milk, and honey; 35 out of 37 in egg; and 34 out of 37 in flounder. The LOQ ranged from 0.1 to 5 µg/kg. Residues were detected in 24 out of 110 samples and analyzed using the validated method.

Single-laboratory validation study of rapid analysis method for multi-class veterinary drugs in milk, fish and shellfish by LC-MS/MS.

A method of rapid analysis of multi-class residual veterinary drugs in milk, fish and shellfish was validated in accordance with Japanese guidelines for the validation of analytical methods for residual agricultural chemicals in food. Using LC-MS/MS, 43 multi-class veterinary drugs, including sulfonamides, quinolones, coccidiostats and antiparasites, could be analyzed in one injection. Analytes were extracted from samples with two kinds of solvent, acetonitrile containing 1 vol% formic acid and anhydrous acetonitrile, and salted out with 4.0 g of magnesium sulfate, 1.5 g of trisodium citrate and 2.0 g of sodium chloride. This method was assessed by performing recovery tests in retail milk and 4 kinds of fresh cultured fish and shellfish (salmon, tiger shrimp, red sea bream and bastard halibut) spiked with the 43 target analytes at the levels of 10 and 100 µg/kg. Using this method, 40 out of 43 drugs satisfied the guideline criteria in milk, 37 drugs in salmon, 42 drugs in tiger shrimp, 41 drugs in red sea bream and 39 drugs in bastard halibut.

Development and validation of rapid analysis method for multi-class veterinary drugs in livestock products by LC-MS/MS.

A method for rapid analysis of multi-class residual veterinary drugs in livestock products was developed and validated in accordance with the Japanese guideline for pesticides. Using LC-MS/MS, 43 multi-class veterinary drugs, including sulfonamides, quinolones, coccidiostats and antiparasites, could be analyzed simultaneously in only 18 minutes. The extraction process was developed by modifying the QuEChERS approach to provide faster and less expensive extraction. The samples were extracted by using two kinds of solvent, acetonitrile and acetonitrile including 1 vol% formic acid, and salted out with magnesium sulfate, trisodium citrate and sodium chloride. Using these two extractants, 40 out of 43 drugs satisfied the guideline criteria in bovine muscle and swine muscle, 39 drugs were found in chicken muscle, and 37 drugs were found in eggs. The limit of quantification was less than the MRL for all analytes.

Rapid determination of nitroimidazole residues in honey by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

We developed a rapid and efficient means of determining residues of four nitroimidazoles-i.e., dimetridazole, ipronidazole, metronidazole, and ronidazole-and three hydrophilic metabolites- i.e., 2-hydroxymethyl-1-methyl-5-nitroimidazole, 1 -methyl-2-(2'-hydroxyisopropyl)-5-nitroimidazole, and 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-hydroxymethyl-nitroimidazole--in honey. We applied a QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) procedure improved to suit a nitroimidazole analysis, which is fast (approximately 30 min) and uses less organic solvent. The procedure involves initial single-phase extraction of 5 g of honey with acetonitrile containing 1% acetic acid, followed by liquid-liquid partitioning involving the addition of 5 g sodium chloride, 1.5 g trisodium citrate dihydrate, and 4 g magnesium sulfate. Moreover, matrix from honey was reduced by an SPE method with an alumina-N cartridge. The samples were analyzed using LC/MS/MS. Chromatographic separation of these nitroimidazoles and metabolites was performed in the gradient mode on a pentafluorophenylpropyl-bonded silica column (150x2.0 mm, 3 pm particle size) at 40 degrees C. The mobile phase consisted of a 0.01% acetic acid solution and acetonitrile, and the flow rate was 0.2 mL/min. The method was validated using honey spiked with these nitroimidazoles from 0.1 to 0.5 microg/kg. The overall recovery of the seven nitroimidazoles ranged from 76.1 to 98.5%; intra- and interassay CV values were <9.5 and <14.2%, respectively. The LOQ ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 microg/kg. LC/MS/MS coupled with the QuEChERS method showed good potential as a method for determining nitroimidazole residues in honey.

Screening assay of residual antibiotics in livestock samples by LC-MS/MS.

A LC-MS/MS screening assay of multi-class antibiotics was developed for 19 residual antibiotics in livestock samples. Sample preparation employed the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) approach using 0.5% formic acid in acetonitrile-methanol (8 : 2), with salting-out using magnesium sulfate, trisodium citrate and sodium chloride. Recovery values from 5 different livestock samples ranged from 45.5 to 121.6%, and the RSDs were under 18% at two concentration levels. The limit of quantification values of 19 analytes were under 10 µg/kg in all livestock samples, and the procedure can detect almost all analytes under the MRL. Screening capability was confirmed by employing spiked samples. This new screening assay for residual antibiotics in livestock samples is expected to be useful for routine laboratory tests.

Rapid determination of fumagillin residues in honey by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry using the QuEChERS method.

A new, rapid, and efficient method for determining the fumagillin residues in honey was developed. The samples extracted were analyzed using LC/MS/MS. Chromatographic separation of fumagillin was performed in gradient mode on a C8 column (100 x 2.0 mm, 5 microm) at 40 degrees C. The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of 2 mM ammonium formate-0.01% formic acid solution and methanol; the flow rate was set to 0.2 mL/min. Under these conditions, it was possible to measure fumagillin and its isomers as a single peak. The sample preparation procedure used is based on the QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method, which is fast (approximately 30 min) and uses less organic solvent. The fumagillin was extracted with acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid, then purified using a solid-phase extraction method with an Oasis mixed-mode weak anion-exchange cartridge. The overall recovery of fumagillin ranged from 88.1 to 99.4%; the intra- and interassay CVs were <4.5% and <4.9%, respectively. The LOQ was 0.1 microg/kg. LC/MS/MS coupled with the QuEChERS method showed strong potential as a method for determining fumagillin residues in honey.