Thermo Fisher Scientific Announces New Method for Simple and Accurate Analysis of Cadmium in Chocolate
CAMBRIDGE, UK - Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced a new method for simple and accurate analysis of cadmium in chocolate. The Thermo Scientific iCE 3500 atomic absorption spectrometer allows simple analysis of this trace element, while Thermo Scientific SOLAAR software enables easy method development. The innovative Graphite Furnace TeleVision (GFTV) capability of the iCE 3500 also aids method development as sample deposition and sample drying can be viewed in real-time inside the cuvette. The method is detailed in an application note entitled "The Analysis of Cadmium in Chocolate by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry," which is available to download at http://www.thermoscientific.com/App-Note-43034.
Cadmium is a heavy metal used in a number of applications, including the production of batteries, steel plating and as a pigment in plastics and glasses. These industrial activities can release cadmium into the environment where it accumulates in water and soil and enters plants, animals and fish through uptake and ingestion. As a result, humans can be exposed to cadmium through the consumption of foodstuffs. This poses health risks as excessive cadmium consumption can cause nausea, gastrointestinal pain, softening of bones and kidney damage. The main ingredients in chocolate include milk, cocoa and fats, and each is a potential source of cadmium, so chocolate samples should be analyzed accurately to ensure consumer safety. The provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of cadmium is seven ìg/kg body weight. The recommendation however, is to limit cadmium intake as much as possible because it offers no nutritional benefit. Typical maximum levels of cadmium in foodstuffs are currently between 0.05 and 0.2 mg/kg wet weight.
The new application note demonstrates how the iCE 3500 atomic absorption spectrometer from the Thermo Scientific iCE 3000 Series provides a simple and accurate tool for the analysis of cadmium in chocolate. Samples were analyzed following a simple digestion procedure, and matrix matched standards were used to accurately determine cadmium concentration. The unique GFTV enabled easy optimization of the position of the injection capillary and allowed visualization of the deposition of the sample into the cuvette, ensuring accuracy and repeatability. In addition, the wizard-driven SOLAAR software enabled quick and easy furnace optimization and method development. Experimental results revealed that cadmium was accurately detected in all analyzed chocolate samples at concentration levels well below recommended limits for cadmium in foodstuffs.
For more information about the Thermo Scientific iCE 3500 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, please call +1 800-532-4752, email analyze@thermofisher.com or visit http://www.thermoscientific.com/aa.
Thermo Scientific is part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science.
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With revenues of more than $10 billion, we have approximately 35,000 employees and serve customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as in environmental and process control industries. We create value for our key stakeholders through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, which offer a unique combination of continuous technology development and the most convenient purchasing options. Our products and services help accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, and solve analytical challenges ranging from complex research to routine testing to field applications. Visit www.thermofisher.com.
For further press information please contact: Celine Callender, The Scott Partnership, 1 Whiteside, Station Road, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire CW4 8AA, United Kingdom Tel: + 44 1477 539 539 Fax: +44 1477 539 540 E-mail: thermo@scottpr.com
Media Contact Information:
Name: Celine Callender
Phone: +44 1477 539 539
Email: thermo@scottpr.com
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Karen Rattray
+44 1606 548716
karen.rattray@thermofisher.com
