Simplified QuEChERS-based UPLC–MS/MS for determination of neonicotinoids, bisphenols, and parabens in fresh and processed meat

This study developed and validated a simplified QuEChERS-based isotope dilution ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-UPLC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous quantification of neonicotinoids (NEOs), parabens (PBs), and bisphenols (BPs) in meat products. Twenty-seven fresh and thirty processed meat samples collected in Taiwan were analyzed by the validated ID-UPLC-MS/MS method with isotope dilution to determine seven NEOs, nine PBs, and five BPs, achieving low limits of detection (0.00015-0.194 ng/g ww) and acceptable recoveries (83-105 %). Because of high sensitivity of the method, acetamiprid and imidacloprid were quantitated in most samples with quantitation rate (QR) ≥ 94.7 % at trace concentrations of 0.027 - 0.099 ng/g ww and 0.057 - 0.228 ng/g ww, respectively. Methylparaben (0.005 - 6.221 ng/g ww) was quantified with QR of 64.9 %, while bisphenol A (BPA, 0.081 - 1.728 ng/g ww), bisphenol S (0.015 - 2.374 ng/g ww), and bisphenol AF (0.004 - 0.269 ng/g ww) was determined with QR of 45.6 %, 29.8 % and 33.3 %, respectively. Estimated dietary intakes for most analytes were well below their reference doses; however, BPA (up to 0.54 ng/kg-BW/day) exceeded the revised tolerable daily intake (0.2 ng/kg-BW/day) set by the European Food Safety Authority, suggesting a potential noncancer health concern. The findings reveal the presence of multiple emerging contaminants in meat products and demonstrate the utility of a simplified, high-throughput QuEChERS UPLC-MS/MS method for multi-class chemical monitoring in food.