Overview of the applications of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in food analysis of nutritionally harmful compounds

Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has proved to be a useful and a time saving analytical tool, with many applications of direct detection of target molecules in food samples. When coupled with chromatographic techniques, it combines the separation capabilities of chromatography and the power of MS/MS as an identification and confirmation method. This article reviews the use of tandem mass spectrometry in the determination of various food contaminants such as alkaloids, pesticides (carbamates, s-triazines, phenylureas, N-methylcarbamates), marine toxins, mycotoxins, arsenosugars, antibiotics, dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, and acrylamide. Experimental conditions and the main spectral patterns for the recognition of these compounds are presented.