Bridging analytical gaps in perchlorate monitoring: a comprehensive study of food contamination and exposure risk in Spain.

Authors

Paula Ponz-Perelló, Francesc A Esteve-Turrillas, Olga Pardo

Published in

Food chemistry. Volume 525. Issue Pt 3. Pages 150523. Jul 22, 2026. Epub Jul 22, 2026.

Abstract

Perchlorate is an emerging contaminant that can impair neurological development by disrupting thyroid function. Diet intake, particularly teas, fruits, and vegetables, is a major exposure pathway. This study developed a rapid, highly sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method applicable to all regulated food categories. The method's high sensitivity is essential, as it improves dietary exposure assessment and reduces uncertainties in risk evaluation, particularly for vulnerable populations. The method was validated with satisfactory recoveries (71-109%). A total of 115 food samples were analysed, including 28 infant food samples, a category notably underrepresented in European datasets. Perchlorate was detected in 95.7% of samples, with concentrations exceeding the European Union (EU) maximum limit in four cases. Risk assessment showed that infants and toddlers are especially vulnerable, with a Hazard Index, exceeding the safe limit of 1.

PMID:
42508118
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 28 Jul 2026.

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