Determination of malachite green, crystal violet, and their metabolites in canned fish tissues HPLC-MS/MS and its contribution in dietary intake

Abstract

Multiresidues of illegal dyes are found in canned products. Illegal dyes are used as veterinary drugs. This study evaluates malachite green (MG), crystal violet (CV) and naturally reduced form leucomalachite green (LMG) and leucocrystal violet (LCV). These dyes are prohibited in processed fishes, due to their apprehensions on human and fish health for example, toxicity, carcinogens and teratogens. However, they still used extensively worldwide, because they act as antifungal and antibacterial agents. Illegal dyes are stable even after long time of exposure to heat. This evaluation was done on 30 different samples of canned fish tissues from various companies. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was the techniques used to determine MG, LMG, CV and LCV by C 18 column and Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe method (QuEChERS) using acetonitrile in extraction. The consternations of total MG, CV and LCV were 0.92 g/Kg, 0.1 g/Kg and LCV was not detected, where below detected limit respectively. MG, LMG, CV and LCV residues were not exceeding the European Union minimum required performance limited (MRPL) which is 2 g/Kg. Therefore, the results were indicating that Egyptian local markets control the usage of MG, CV, LMG and LCV. In addition, it provides reliable data about the actual level of the contaminant limit. From our study, accomplish that the samples collected from various Egyptian markets indicate the companies use accurate amount of MG, CV, LMG and LCV are not exceeding the permitted European Union limits. Key words: malachite green, crystal violet, mass spectrometry.