The Technology Transforming Trace Elemental Analysis in Food and Beverage Testing

Trace elemental food and beverage analysis applications compendium Hot topics on state-of-the-art instrumentation 2 Technology | ICP-MS | ICP-OES Table of contents Technology Finding the right technique for seamless elemental analysis in your laboratory Innovating with the planet in mind: Partnering in sustainability program Innovating with the planet in mind: Greener by design™ solutions Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) Quadrupole ICP-MS system brochures Tools to improve productivity Analysis of food samples using single quadrupole ICP-MS A comprehensive workflow for beverage analysis Trace metals analysis in baby food Multi-element analysis of alternative protein foods using ICP-MS Determining the geographical and botanical origins of honey Profiling the elemental composition of whisky Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ PRO Series ICP-OES brochure Artificial intelligence software tool to aid method development Determination of major and trace elements in foodstuffs Analysis of elemental contaminants in beverages Multi-element determination in vegetable oil 3 Technology | ICP-MS | ICP-OES Finding the right technique for seamless elemental analysis in your laboratory View the full product spotlight Overview All food and beverage testing laboratories have specific requirements for their elemental analysis and this guide is intended to provide an overview of the most used techniques—inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). 4 Technology | ICP-MS | ICP-OES Discover how we are innovating with the planet in mind Download the fact sheet Greener by design™ solution We are committed to designing our products with the environment in mind. This fact sheet provides the rationale behind the environmental claim that the Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ MX Series ICP-MS uses up to 28% less energy. It is also responsibly packaged, using 29% less material by weight and is reduced in size by 22%. Learn more at thermofisher.com/greenerbydesign Partnering in sustainability program – ACT label Reduce your lab’s environmental impact with the iCAP PRO Series ICP-OES, recipient of the ACT label from My Green Lab. The ACT label, the standard for determining the environmental impact of laboratory products, helps labs make informed, sustainable purchasing decisions. Learn more about the ACT label 5 Technology | ICP-MS | ICP-OES Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry View the website Ignite your ICP-MS analysis with simplicity The Thermo Scientific iCAP MX Series ICP-MS comprises both single and triple quadrupole ICP-MS systems. Discover which system is right for testing your food and beverage samples. Transform workflows with right-first-time analysis, ensuring your laboratory is fully optimized from sample to result. These systems enable analytical testing laboratories to maximize output with accuracy and confidence in data quality, regardless of the sample matrix. Learn more on the dedicated website: • Instrument selection • Benefits of the advanced features • Accelerate sample throughput with automation • Videos and learning material • Ordering information Download the Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ MSX ICP-MS (single quadrupole) brochure Download the Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ MTX ICP-MS (triple quadrupole) brochure 6 Technology | ICP-MS | ICP-OES Tools to improve productivity Fully automatic start up and performance verification The Get Ready process simplifies instrument set up by automating a series of routine tasks and can be started with a single click. Streamlined method development for triple quadrupole ICP-MS The Reaction Finder Method Development Assistant removes potential complexity from method development when using the iCAP MTX ICP-MS and allows all food and beverage testing laboratories to benefit from superior interference removal. At the same time, it gives researchers the flexibility to test different reactive gases or product ions for specific applications. Thermo Scientific™ Hawk™ Consumables and Maintenance Assistant The tool keeps track of and displays reminders for important maintenance activities to maximize instrument uptime. Alerts can be customized to the standard operating procedure (SOP) of your laboratory. It is seamlessly integrated within Thermo Scientific™ Qtegra™ Intelligent Scientific Data Solution™ (ISDS) Software to simplify your daily workflows. View the full product spotlight View the full product spotlight Learn more about Hawk Consumables and Maintenance Assistant 7 Technology | ICP-MS | ICP-OES Reliable and productive analysis of food samples using single quadrupole ICP-MS Keywords ICP-MS, iCAP MSX ICP-MS, food analysis, high sensitivity, accuracy, robustness, toxic elements, nutritional elements, argon gas dilution (AGD) Overview This application note demonstrates robust and reliable analysis of nutritional and toxic trace elements for almost 7,000 food samples in eight weeks, with consistent day-to-day instrument performance. Sequences ran for more than 12 hours per day with stable data, negligible analytical drift, excellent internal standard response, and without the need for any maintenance actions. The study demonstrates how high concentrations of nutritional elements were measured alongside accurate quantification of low-level toxic elements in the same samples. View the full application note 8 Technology | ICP-MS | ICP-OES A comprehensive workflow for beverage analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) Keywords Beverage, Argon Gas Dilution (AGD), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), essential nutrients, heavy metals, interference removal Overview This application note details the use of the iCAP MTX ICP-MS for the determination of nutrients and toxic elements in a total of 13 different beverages, including a variety of fruit juices and soft drinks, to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance. The note describes the sample preparation process, instrument parameters, and calibration procedures. The analytical method was proven to provide accurate and precise results and can provide reliable performance over long analysis sequences, ensuring productivity in an applied testing laboratory. View the full application note 9 Technology | ICP-MS | ICP-OES Trace metals analysis in baby food using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) Keywords Baby food, AGD, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, toxic elements, interference suppression Overview This application note describes the use of the iCAP MTX ICP-MS for the determination of toxic elements in baby food to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. The note details the sample preparation process, instrument parameters, and calibration methods used to achieve accurate and reproducible results. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated through the analysis of certified reference materials and real baby food samples. Six baby food products were selected for this study and were purchased in a local supermarket. Products with different compositions (i.e., content of fat, moisture content, or dry powders) were chosen to obtain a range of different matrices and analyte concentrations. Results from various baby food samples are shared, showing the concentrations of target elements and confirming the capability of the iCAP MTX ICP-MS to meet stringent regulatory requirements. View the full application note 10 Technology | ICP-MS | ICP-OES Accurate and reliable multi-element analysis of alternative protein foods using ICP-MS Keywords ICP-MS, AGD, He-KED, half-mass correction, accuracy, robustness, toxic elements, nutritional elements, alternative protein foods Overview This application note presents a method for the multi-element analysis of ten alternative protein foods with sensitivity, accuracy, and robustness. Excellent sensitivity and a wide analytical range were achieved for both high concentration as well as trace level analytes within the same method and using a single dilution level. The method developed is also simple and fast with a sample run time of less than two minutes per sample using single analysis mode and the Step Ahead feature of the Thermo Scientific™ iSC-65 Autosampler, making this ideal for an analytical laboratory setting. Although the application note utilized a Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ RQplus ICP-MS, this analysis can be carried out using an iCAP MSX ICP-MS with equivalent results and improved performance. View the full application note 11 Technology | ICP-MS | ICP-OES Determining the geographical and botanical origins of honey by harnessing the power of triple quadrupole ICP-MS technology Keywords Honey, authenticity, elemental composition, food safety, profiling, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, transition metals Overview This application note highlights how botanical and geographical origins of honey can be predicted using a workflow that includes automatized sample preparation, accurate analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and statistical analysis. A total of 122 honey samples were analyzed in this study, selected based on the certainty of their precise geographical origin as well as their monofloral origin. Having precise knowledge of the samples and their authenticity was vital in creating a suitable statistical database. The combination of helium and oxygen in a single method ensures the effective suppression of polyatomic and isobaric interferences to obtain excellent accuracy for quantitative analyses. Although the application note utilized a a Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ TQ ICP-MS, the study describes how this analysis can be carried out using an iCAP MTX ICP-MS with equivalent results and even better performance. View the full application note 12 Technology | ICP-MS | ICP-OES Profiling the elemental composition of whisky using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) View the application note Keywords Elemental composition, profiling, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, lanthanides, transition metals Overview This application note highlights how whisky samples can be comprehensively analyzed for their elemental composition and how this can help to unravel differences according to their geological origin as well as in the processing using the iCAP MSX ICP-MS. The note details the sample preparation process, instrument parameters, and calibration procedures used to achieve accurate and reliable results. Results of this study demonstrates that whisky, as well as other alcoholic beverages, can be analyzed for its complete trace elemental profile using the iCAP MSX ICP-MS following a simple dilution. 13 Technology | ICP-MS | ICP-OES Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry Trace elemental analysis for the most challenging food and beverage samples Ensure that your lab is ready for any challenge with the powerful, multi-element capability of the Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ PRO Series ICP-OES system. Produce consistent, reliable data quickly and easily. Experience enhanced sample throughput, matrix tolerance, and flexibility to produce results you can trust. Learn more on the dedicated website: • Compare the different models • Take a self-guided 3D product tour • Accelerate sample throughput with automation • Videos and learning material • Ordering information View the full brochure View the website 14 Technology | ICP-MS | ICP-OES Artificial intelligence software tool to aid method development Semi-quantitative analysis for the Thermo Scientific iCAP PRO Series ICP-OES Do you need to screen food and beverage samples for their elemental composition as part of method development or to inform further analysis? The new semi-quantitative analysis tool within the Qtegra ISDS Software leverages artificial intelligence to enable you to do this in the simplest way. How can SemiQuant be used? • Preliminary screening • Evaluation of sample preparation methods • Assessment of method performance • Identification of interferences View the full product spotlight 15 Technology | ICP-MS | ICP-OES Robust single method determination of major and trace elements in foodstuffs using the Thermo Scientific iCAP PRO X Duo ICP-OES Keywords Foodstuffs, micronutrients, microwave digestion, toxic elements Overview The iCAP PRO Series ICP-OES is presented as a reliable tool in detecting a wide range of elements, including both major components and trace elements. This application note outlines the methodology and provides a comprehensive overview of the instrument’s precision, sensitivity, and suitability for routine analysis in food safety laboratories. The results show that major and trace elements were measured with equal success. Precise, accurate results for digested foodstuff samples are easily attained on the Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ PRO X Duo ICP-OES. The full wavelength coverage of the unique CID detector allowed the optimum wavelengths to be selected and the whole spectrum to be measured with one exposure, while the sensitivity of the axial view provided the low detection limits for this application. View the full application note 16 Technology | ICP-MS | ICP-OES Analysis of elemental contaminants in beverages using the Thermo Scientific iCAP PRO X Duo ICP-OES Keywords Beverages, contaminants, EN 1134:1994 Overview This application note describes the high performance of the iCAP PRO X Duo ICP-OES when analyzing elemental contaminants in different types of beverages. The vertical torch configuration of the duo instruments offers optimal method conditions using axial plasma view for traces and radial plasma view for major elements. In addition to the instrument, the Qtegra ISDS Software features make the analysis of beverages rapid and analyst-friendly, allowing both experienced and inexperienced users alike to vastly reduce the method development time. View the full application note 17 Technology | ICP-MS | ICP-OES Robust and sensitive multi-element determination in vegetable oil using ICP-OES Keywords D-torch, food, ICP-OES, organic solvent, xylene, vegetable oil Overview This application note describes an optimized analytical method for the analysis of vegetable oil samples using the iCAP PRO Series ICP-OES equipped with a ceramic D-torch. A thorough validation of the method was performed that included analysis of quality control standards, accuracy and precision of measurements, as well as analysis of real vegetable samples as required in analytical testing laboratories. Twenty-two elements in vegetable oil samples were analyzed following simple dilution with xylene. Both toxic and nutritional elements were analyzed. High sensitivity, accuracy, and robust analysis were demonstrated. View the full application note General Laboratory Equipment – Not For Diagnostic Procedures. © 2025 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific and its subsidiaries unless otherwise specified. This information is presented as an example of the capabilities of Thermo Fisher Scientific products. It is not intended to encourage use of these products in any manner that might infringe the intellectual property rights of others. Specifications, terms and pricing are subject to change. Not all products are available in all countries. Please consult your local sales representative for details. EB003969-EN 0725S Learn more at thermofisher.com/tea