Optimization and validation of a rapid LC-MS/MS method for the detection and quantification of illegal dyes in olive oil from Egyptian markets.

The use of banned dyes in olive oil poses a serious threat to consumer safety. This study presents a high-throughput LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous detection and quantification of ten banned dyes. The simplified sample preparation involves dissolving the sample in n-hexane and extracting it with ACN. Method validation, performed according to CIR (EU) 2021/808, demonstrated satisfactory performance. LOD and LOQ ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 μg kg and 0.3 to 0.9 μg kg, respectively. Precision (RSDs) was below 9 % at five spiking levels (2-75 μg kg). CCα and CCβ values ranged from 14 to 15 μg kg and 12 to 13 μg kg, respectively. The method's applicability was demonstrated by analyzing 870 olive oil samples collected from local markets in Egypt, revealing the presence of Sudan Yellow (5 %), Sudan I (0.9 %), Sudan III (0.2 %), Sudan Red G (0.1 %), Sudan II (0.1 %), and Sudan Red B (0.1 %) in the tested samples.