Detection of irradiated chicken meat by analysis of lipid extracts for 2-substituted cyclobutanones using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay

Abstract

The means to detect the irradiation of food has been investigated for many years. In recent times radiolytic products, termed 2-alkylcyclobutanones (2-CBs), have been identified as excellent markers of irradiation in lipid-containing foods. An ELISA test was developed, which was capable of detecting a number of these compounds in irradiated chicken meat. A polyclonal antiserum was raised to a 2-CB containing a terminal carboxyl group conjugated to a carrier protein. This antiserum was highly specific for cyclobutanones containing C₁₀ and C₁₂ side chains. During assay validation the limit of detection of the assay was calculated to be 0.064 µg of 2-CB per gram of fat, within- and between-assay variations ranged from 6.7 to 18%. During experimental studies, chicken meat irradiated at doses ranging from 2.5 to 10 kGy were assayed and correctly identified as being treated. Quantitative comparisons between the ELISA and GC–MS revealed a good correlation (r²= 0.93) between the two methodologies in concentrations of 2-CB detected in irradiated samples.