A method for evaluating the initial addition of tert-butylhydroquinone to oils during storage condition based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A GC-MS method was investigated for simultaneous determination of TBHQ and its transformation products (TBBQ, MAHQ) in fats and oils. Three substances were determined with good linearity of 0.15–100.00 μg/mL (R 2 > 0.9982); low LODs (0.05, 0.17, and 0.10 μg/mL) and the LOQs (0.15, 0.52, and 0.30 μg/mL). The recoveries of the three substances ranged from 93.28 % to 104.64 %. The method is sensitive and reproducible and meets the requirements of the methodology. The initial addition of TBHQ can be assessed with a recovery of > 90 % based on three substances, and the recovery could be closer to the initial addition of TBHQ if more transformation productions of TBHQ were identified with further in-depth study in the future. Compared to reported HPLC methods, the method realizes accurate quantitative detection of TBHQ and its transformation products, which can address the discrepancies between upstream and downstream enterprises in the food industry regarding the amount of TBHQ addition. This method allows downstream companies to precisely control the addition level in order to meet the requirements (maximum of 200 mg/kg based on oil content) regulated by National Standards as well as provide theoretical support for the scientific understanding and application of TBHQ in food industry.