The contribution of planar chromatography to food analysis

Food generally enjoys public confidence; food analysis, however, is a growing and challenging sector. Analytical methods must keep pace with the continuously changing attitudes and preferences of consumers to ensure product quality. Planar chromatography, a very flexible technique for rapidly changing issues, can assist food analysts. But few users of planar chromatography (approx. 10%) use high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Use of appropriate instrumentation will improve the precision of the method. There is therefore, much potential to increase the efficacy and attraction of planar chromatographic applications in food analysis. Validated HPTLC methods fulfill the requirements for reliable food analysis in many fields. Planar chromatography can support food analysis by simultaneous determination of analytes with different detection principles, for example point of care analysis by digital imaging and effect-directed assays via bioactivity-based detection. Parallel analyses under identical conditions or the targeted use of mass spectrometry contributes to its cost-effectiveness. Planar chromatography is an optimum tool for national and international standards to keep analysis inexpensive - especially nowadays.