LC-MS-MS method optimisation for determination of malachite & leuco-malachite green in farmed finfish

• Project start date: 1 August 2004
• Project status: Completed
• Project type: Food safety
• Discipline: Food safety - other
• Author/s: Dr Peter Heffernan and Dr Evin McGovern, Marine Institute, Galway
• Collaborator/s: Dr Pascal Sanders, Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Aliments

Research objective

Malachite green and leuco–malachite green compounds have been widely used as a fungicide and ectoparasiticide in the fish farming industry. Although an illegal substance, there is still evidence of use due to low cost, efficacy and lack of a suitable alternative. Regulatory authorities have highlighted the need for greater capacity to monitor for these compounds, particularly in farmed salmon.

Outputs

Research report

• Title: Detecting malachite & leuco-malachite green in farmed finfish
• Publication date: 21 February 2006
• Summary: A new LC-MS-MS method optimisation for determination of illegal compounds in farmed finfish.
• Findings:

  The output of this project has contributed to the sustainable development of the €50 million Irish finfish sector and therefore to overall consumer confidence in farmed finfish as well.

  A new state of the art LC–MS–MS methodology was developed which will provide rapid confirmation of positive screening samples and therefore ensure that contaminated seafood product will not reach the market.

  It will also assist in follow up investigations and contribute to the elimination of these illegal compounds from the market.

• Recommendations:

  Report not available. Please see peer reviewed article below.

Other outputs

Peer reviewed article

Dowling G, Mulder PP, Duffy C, Regan L, Smyth MR. Anal Chim Acta. Confirmatory analysis of malachite green, leucomalachite green, crystal violet and leucocrystal violet in salmon by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. 2007 Mar 14;586(1-2)