PFAS Testing in Food

PFAS Testing in Food

Unlock your laboratory's full potential in PFAS testing for food and related contact materials with Waters analytical expertise, so you can overcome method challenges with confidence, ensure reliable, future-proof PFAS determination, and connect your workflows from sample preparation to LIMS.

Unlock your laboratory's full potential in PFAS testing for food and related contact materials with Waters analytical expertise, so you can overcome method challenges with confidence, ensure reliable, future-proof PFAS determination, and connect your workflows from sample preparation to LIMS.
Different fresh fruits and vegetables
Different fresh fruits and vegetables

Overview

As awareness grows of ubiquitous per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) entering the food chain, laboratories face increasing pressure to adopt reliable methods to measure, manage, and help mitigate PFAS exposure. Waters supports your PFAS testing goals by helping you:

• Implement robust methods for the first time
• Increase sensitivity with advanced analytical systems
• Move to dependable, workhorse workflow method that complements your food-safety testing scope

Explore Waters offerings for screening, quantitation, and non-targeted elucidation workflows designed to reliably enhance your capability, capacity, and confidence in PFAS testing of foods.

Applications

As regulations, recommendations, and methods evolve— from Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2388 and Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/1431, to (US) FDA C-010.02, AOAC SMPR 2023.003, and EURL for POPs guidance document on PFAS analysis— explore accurate, versatile, and transferable LC-MS/MS applications for food testing.

As regulations, recommendations, and methods evolve— from Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2388 and Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/1431, to (US) FDA C-010.02, AOAC SMPR 2023.003, and EURL for POPs guidance document on PFAS analysis— explore accurate, versatile, and transferable LC-MS/MS applications for food testing.

Application Notes

Application Notes
Meat, cheese, and fruit charcuterie board

Authorities around the globe are looking to regulate many PFAS compounds in materials and articles coming in contact with food (food contact materials, or FCMs), making reliable, yet readily extendable methods essential. Explore Waters unique workflows that improve reliability, confidence, and capability, whether you are running quantitation or discovery and elucidation workflows.

Authorities around the globe are looking to regulate many PFAS compounds in materials and articles coming in contact with food (food contact materials, or FCMs), making reliable, yet readily extendable methods essential. Explore Waters unique workflows that improve reliability, confidence, and capability, whether you are running quantitation or discovery and elucidation workflows.

Application Notes

Application Notes
Nonstick Teflon pan with wooden spoon on stovetop

Every contact during growing, production, and sample analysis can leave traces of ever-present PFAS, making reliable quantitation and identification challenging. Explore our best practices, troubleshooting tips, and key considerations for your laboratory to improve method reliability, productivity, and capabilities.

Every contact during growing, production, and sample analysis can leave traces of ever-present PFAS, making reliable quantitation and identification challenging. Explore our best practices, troubleshooting tips, and key considerations for your laboratory to improve method reliability, productivity, and capabilities.

Application Notes

Application Notes
Scientist working in an analytical food testing laboratory

Laboratories face increasing pressure to detect PFAS across a broad range of food sample types. Detecting and quantifying these persistent pollutants requires robust methods. Waters end-to-end PFAS quantitation workflow simplifies the process and minimizes risks in obtaining trace-level PFAS measurement data by eliminating manual transcription errors and automating data processing and reporting in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Laboratories face increasing pressure to detect PFAS across a broad range of food sample types. Detecting and quantifying these persistent pollutants requires robust methods. Waters end-to-end PFAS quantitation workflow simplifies the process and minimizes risks in obtaining trace-level PFAS measurement data by eliminating manual transcription errors and automating data processing and reporting in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Application Notes

Application Notes
Targeted TQ for PFAS Testing

With thousands of PFAS compounds in circulation, targeted approaches remain essential for sensitive quantification of known analytes. However, non-targeted discovery workflows complement these methods by enabling broader analytical assessment, capturing unknowns and emerging contaminants to provide a more complete chemical and toxicological profile.

With thousands of PFAS compounds in circulation, targeted approaches remain essential for sensitive quantification of known analytes. However, non-targeted discovery workflows complement these methods by enabling broader analytical assessment, capturing unknowns and emerging contaminants to provide a more complete chemical and toxicological profile.

Application Notes

Application Notes
Molecular chain

eBook: Addressing the Global Challenge of PFAS Contamination

PFAS testing is one of the most pressing issues facing analytical labs. This eBook is designed to help you overcome challenges head-on by providing:

• Practical guidance to address regulatory hurdles
• Best practices that elevate the quality of your analysis
• Insights into technology solutions to strengthen your workflows

Gain knowledge on the tools to elevate your PFAS testing.

PFAS testing is one of the most pressing issues facing analytical labs. This eBook is designed to help you overcome challenges head-on by providing:

• Practical guidance to address regulatory hurdles
• Best practices that elevate the quality of your analysis
• Insights into technology solutions to strengthen your workflows

Gain knowledge on the tools to elevate your PFAS testing.

Download eBook
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Solutions

Address demanding PFAS requirements with Waters MS-based solutions built for precise screening, quantitation, and non-targeted elucidation.

Address demanding PFAS requirements with Waters MS-based solutions built for precise screening, quantitation, and non-targeted elucidation.

Absolute power to reliably quantitate

Absolute power to reliably quantitate
Xevo TQ Absolute XR Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer

Couple the Xevo TQ Absolute XR Mass Spectrometer with LC or GC to achieve and maintain high performance with absolute sensitivity and absolute robustness, all on a sustainable system.

  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Quantitative Targeted Workflows

Compact performance, beyond expectation

Compact performance, beyond expectation
Xevo TQ-S micro Mass Spectrometer

Obtain superior performance and versatility per square inch with the Xevo TQ-S micro Mass Spectrometer, delivering reliability as your workhorse for LC or GC amenable PFAS.

  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Quantitative Targeted Workflows

High resolution and speed without compromise

High resolution and speed without compromise
Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer

Achieve consistent mass resolution, even at the fastest acquisition rates for MS and MS/MS data, for confident identification of PFAS analytes using Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer, a multi-reflecting time-of-flight benchtop system.

  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Non-Targeted Discovery Workflows

Endless possibilities. Limitless research.

Endless possibilities. Limitless research.
SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS Mass Spectrometer

Extend the benefits of routine ion mobility and achieve high-resolution separations by combining novel cyclic ion mobility separation with the state-of-the-art performance of time-of-flight mass spectrometer, the SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS Mass Spectrometer.

  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Non-Targeted Discovery Workflows

Chromatography challenges resolved

Chromatography challenges resolved
ACQUITY UPLC I-Class PLUS System

With industry-leading separations performance, the ACQUITY UPLC I-Class PLUS System provides new possibilities for maximizing the resolution and sensitivity of your methods, enhancing the characterization of your samples, and improving productivity to advance the science of your laboratory.

  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Quantitative Targeted Workflows
  • Non-Targeted Discovery Workflows

Outstanding performance in gas chromatography

Outstanding performance in gas chromatography
Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography (APGC) Source

Expand your scope of PFAS analytes, confidently identifying compounds by operating GC at atmospheric pressure to increase abundance, selectivity and sensitivity with Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography (APGC) Source.

  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Quantitative Targeted Workflows
  • Non-Targeted Discovery Workflows

Tackle workflow complexity with Waters software solutions that deliver performance, consistency, and advanced capabilities for maximum productivity.

Tackle workflow complexity with Waters software solutions that deliver performance, consistency, and advanced capabilities for maximum productivity.

Maximize your lab productivity anytime, from anywhere

Maximize your lab productivity anytime, from anywhere
waters_connect System Monitoring Software

Gain a holistic view of the laboratory that is essential for any busy PFAS testing operation looking to increase productivity.  Deploying waters_connect System Monitoring software enables labs to take control of their system usage through real-time system status information and system error notifications, detailed system history, and dynamic system scheduling.

  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Quantitative Targeted Workflows
  • Non-Targeted Discovery Workflows

The future of quantitation is here

The future of quantitation is here
waters_connect for Quantitation Software

Improve your confidence and productivity in PFAS analysis with waters_connect for Quantitation Software. Accelerate your workflows, reduce your training burden, experience intuitive ease of use and streamline your data processing and review for quantitative analysis.

  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Quantitative Targeted Workflows

From vial to file: streamline your HRMS data handling

From vial to file: streamline your HRMS data handling
waters_connect for Small Molecule Workflows

Transform complex data into actionable insights with waters_connect for Small Molecule Workflows that reduce the complexity of accurate mass analysis. The workflow utilizes data visualization tools and unique chemical properties to efficiently identify unknown contaminants and ensure confident reporting in complex environmental matrices.

  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Non-Targeted Discovery Workflows

Reduce analytical uncertainty using quality, reliable consumables designed to strengthen PFAS analysis in your laboratory.

Reduce analytical uncertainty using quality, reliable consumables designed to strengthen PFAS analysis in your laboratory.

Separate, isolate, and resolve for PFAS-ready LC systems

Separate, isolate, and resolve for PFAS-ready LC systems
PFAS Solution Installation Kits

Reduce the risk of false detections from background contamination with Waters PFAS Solution Installation Kits, containing the perfect mix you need to be PFAS-ready. 

  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Quantitative Targeted Workflows
  • Non-Targeted Discovery Workflows

The next generation of retention is here

The next generation of retention is here
Atlantis Premier Columns

Uncover unparallelled chromatographic performance for emerging short chain including GenX and legacy PFAS with the Atlantis Premier BEH C18 AX Column, a mixed-mode reversed-phase/anion-exchange (AX) column.

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  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Quantitative Targeted Workflows
  • Non-Targeted Discovery Workflows

Premier chromatographic performance in your PFAS testing

Premier chromatographic performance in your PFAS testing
ACQUITY Premier Columns

Discover uncompromised performance using the ACQUITY Premier C18 Column for the reliable and reproducible retention, separation, and determination of PFAS across foodstuffs.

  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Quantitative Targeted Workflows
  • Non-Targeted Discovery Workflows

Preparation without background contamination

Preparation without background contamination
Oasis WAX for PFAS Analysis

Reduce the risk of sample contamination during solid phase extraction sample clean-up using pre-screened quality control-tested Oasis SPE Products, such as Oasis WAX, Oasis WAX/GCB and Oasis GCB/WAX.

  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Quantitative Targeted Workflows
  • Non-Targeted Discovery Workflows

Shake, centrifuge and analyze: QuEChERS strikes again

Shake, centrifuge and analyze: QuEChERS strikes again
DisQuE, QuEChERS Sample Preparation Products

QuEChERS Sample Preparation Products, a favorite sample preparation technique for food contaminant testing, has expanded into PFAS testing making analyte extraction and sample clean-up accessible, convenient and quick.

  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Quantitative Targeted Workflows
  • Non-Targeted Discovery Workflows

Eliminate repetitive tasks using verified lab automation solutions that boost efficiency and provide reliable walk-away time.

Eliminate repetitive tasks using verified lab automation solutions that boost efficiency and provide reliable walk-away time.

Transforming liquid handling pains into gains

Transforming liquid handling pains into gains
Andrew+ Pipetting Robot

Gain improved method performance and lab efficiency by automating repetitive and time intensive pipetting steps with Andrew+ Pipetting Robot in your PFAS workflows.

  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Quantitative Targeted Workflows
  • Non-Targeted Discovery Workflows

Repeatable extraction without distraction

Repeatable extraction without distraction
Extraction+ Connected Device

Automate SPE-based sample preparation with the Andrew+ Pipetting Robot together with the Extraction+ Connected Device to improve method reliability by reducing random error while freeing valuable analyst hands and time for other tasks.

  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Quantitative Targeted Workflows
  • Non-Targeted Discovery Workflows

Reduce testing inefficiencies with streamlined Waters services and support that help you achieve accurate results.

Reduce testing inefficiencies with streamlined Waters services and support that help you achieve accurate results.

Accelerate your success with award winning service

Accelerate your success with award winning service
Waters Analytical Professional Services

Tailor solutions to meet your laboratory’s PFAS method needs with Waters analytical professional services. Explore on-site consultation and expert application support designed to optimize your analytical workflows.

  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Quantitative Targeted Workflows
  • Non-Targeted Discovery Workflows

Your success is just a click away

Your success is just a click away
Waters Global Services

Optimize your laboratory's productivity and success with Waters Global Services to maintain peak system performance, minimize down time, address application challenges, and support stringent compliance requirements.

  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Quantitative Targeted Workflows
  • Non-Targeted Discovery Workflows

Make science more accessible with Waters Capital

Make science more accessible with Waters Capital
Payment Solutions

Maximize your lab resources and minimize risk with innovative solutions and payment options from Waters Capital. Upgrade aging instruments, obtain customized support, and gain flexible options to bundle your complete laboratory solution into one easy monthly payment – everything you need to advance your science.

  • Food Testing
  • Food Contact Materials
  • PFAS Testing Best Practices
  • Quantitative Targeted Workflows
  • Non-Targeted Discovery Workflows

The data speaks for itself

The data speaks for itself
QC injections plotted for PFHxS (at 0.1 ng/mL) from daily runs

QC injections plotted for PFHxS (at 0.1 ng/mL) from daily runs acquired over 70 batches demonstrating excellent maintained system uptime (continuous operation with no unscheduled downtime).

Chromatographic traces of 0.0005 µg/kg of EU mandatory PFAS in an apple sample. S/N: signal-to-noise ratio (noise processing=peak-to-peak).

Improved sensitivity achieved for all PFAS (on average 4 times greater peak area response achieved) when analyzed by an alternative to ESI, UniSpray

Improved sensitivity achieved for all PFAS (on average 4 times greater peak area response achieved) when analyzed by an alternative to ESI, UniSpray. Chromatogram example showing the improvement for PFOA and PFNA in fish reference material.

Chromatographic baseline separation of branched and linear PFOS

Chromatographic baseline separation of branched and linear PFOS from cholic acids (taurochenodeoxycholic acid, taurodeoxycholic 
acid, and tauroursodeoxycholic acid).

Webinars and Resources

  • White Paper

Improving the Efficiency of PFAS and Other High Profile Analysis Using LC-MS Systems With waters_connect System Monitoring Software

Improving the Efficiency of PFAS and Other High Profile Analysis Using LC-MS Systems With waters_connect System Monitoring Software
Download
  • Case Study

Lower Regulatory Limits Prompt Innovation in PFAS Testing

Lower Regulatory Limits Prompt Innovation in PFAS Testing
Download
  • Poster

Total Workflow for the Sensitive Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Fish, Meat, Edible offal and Eggs

Total Workflow for the Sensitive Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Fish, Meat, Edible offal and Eggs
Download
  • Blog

How Waters is Helping to Solve the Global PFAS Problem

How Waters is Helping to Solve the Global PFAS Problem
Download
  • White Paper

Best practices for monitoring PFAS contamination in a routine shared-space commercial laboratory

Best practices for monitoring PFAS contamination in a routine shared-space commercial laboratory
Download
  • Brochure

PFAS Analysis Solutions Ordering Information

PFAS Analysis Solutions Ordering Information
Download

Related

PFAS Analysis Solution
Streamline your workflow with turnkey PFAS applications for complete analysis solutions from standards and reagents to columns and LC-MS systems.

Food Contaminant and Residue Testing
Achieve the sensitivity, accuracy and robustness reproducibility, and versatility your lab requires to ensure food safety with Waters food contaminant and residue testing solutions.

Learn more about PFAS Testing in Food Solutions.

Learn more about PFAS Testing in Food Solutions.
Different fresh fruits and vegetables
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