Method for determining novolac glycidyl ether (NOGE) and its chlorohydrinsin oily canned foods

In order to be analysed, NOGE components with epoxy groups must be separate d from polar food material to prevent losses through uncontrolled reactions . Samples are homogenized minimally and extracted into a phase of minimized polarity. The NOGE components are then separated from the oil by extractio n into acetonitrile and analysed by RPLC with fluorescence detection. Hydro lysis of the epoxy and chlorohydroxy functions to diols may help the analys is. Application and limitations of the method are illustrated by examples. Detection limits vary widely, depending on interfering food components, but legal limits below 1 mg/kg can hardly be reliably enforced.