Pressurized liquid extraction followed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry for determination of zearalenone in cereal flours

Abstract A method for determination of zearalenone in cereal flour has been developed applying pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) using methanol/acetonitrile (50:50 v/v) as the extraction solvent. The extracted samples were analyzed with liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC–MS) with an electro spray ionisation interface (ESI). The method was validated as a quantitative confirmatory method according to the Eu Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Recoveries of the extraction step data were satisfactory with values higher then 70%. Quantification limits (LOQ) were 5 μg/kg for ESI (+) and 1 μg/kg for ESI (−). Twenty one flour samples produced in different countries were extracted…