Validation of an integrated analytical method for the simultaneous quantification of 12 PFAS in drinking water, plant-based milk alternatives and skimmed milk.

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants that may threaten food safety. Standardized analytical methods for low-fat liquid foods remain limited. This study validates a novel integrated workflow for the simultaneous determination of 12 PFAS in drinking water, plant-based milk alternatives and skimmed milk. Food samples underwent Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction, followed by one-step solid-phase extraction (SPE) cleanup for all matrices before ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis with isotope dilution. The method achieved excellent linearity (R2 ≥ 0.990), limits of quantification (LOQs) of 0.0005 μg/L for water and 0.0040 μg/kg for food matrices, and relative standard deviations (RSDs) < 20%. Isotopically labelled internal standards compensated matrix effects, avoiding matrix-matched calibration. Analysis of commercial samples showed PFAS concentrations below the LOQ in nearly all cases. This method provides a robust approach for multi-matrix PFAS monitoring and supports improved food safety surveillance.