MILFORD, Mass., Oct. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT) today published a rapid method for the detection of melamine in infant formula and liquid milk as outlined by requirements of China's Ministry of Science and Technology (M.O.S.T.). The new method uses Waters(R) ACQUITY(R) TQD, liquid chromatography combined with tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS/MS) operated in Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode, and Waters MassLynx(TM) 4.1 Software with IntelliStart(TM) technology for data acquisition and MS parameters optimization.
Following an increased incidence of kidney stones and renal failure in infants in China believed to be associated with the ingestion of contaminated infant formula, M.O.S.T. issued guidelines for the development of melamine detection methods to be used throughout the nation. Specifically, M.O.S.T. is seeking accurate, reproducible detection of melamine of less than or equal to 2 mg/kg (ppm). Moreover, authorities in the US have declared that no tolerance can be set for the presence of melamine in infant formula. This indicates the need for an analytical method capable of accurately quantifying melamine across a wide range of concentrations.
Waters published method meets or exceeds these requirements. Specifically, Waters UPLC/MS/MS detection method can detect melamine contamination as low as 1 microgram/Kg (ppb) with an achievable sample throughput better than one sample every 15 minutes.
"Waters has a history of working with China's Ministry of Science and Technology by listening to their needs and providing solutions," said James Willis, Senior Director, Chemical Analysis Business for the Waters Division. "Analytical instrument companies in China are all providing training to assist food safety scientists throughout the nation. What is most important is that the foundation of this training is a scientifically sound, reproducible method that meets the requirements of China's highest scientific authorities for detection of melamine in milk and infant formula -- and that is what Waters has published today."
The rapid method for the screening and confirmation of melamine contamination in infant formula and liquid milk by UPLC/MS/MS, can be found on Waters' Website at: www.waters.com/waters/library.htm?locale=en_US&cid=514887&lid=10087429&xcid=91 86 (due to the length of the URL, please copy and paste into web browser).
About Waters Corporation (www.waters.com)
Waters Corporation creates business advantages for laboratory-dependent organizations by delivering practical and sustainable innovation to enable significant advancements in such areas as healthcare delivery, environmental management, food safety, and water quality worldwide.
Pioneering a connected portfolio of separations science, laboratory information management, mass spectrometry and thermal analysis, Waters technology breakthroughs and laboratory solutions provide an enduring platform for customer success.
With revenue of $1.47 billion in 2007 and 5,000 employees, Waters is driving scientific discovery and operational excellence for customers worldwide.
Waters, UltraPerformance LC, UPLC, ACQUITY UPLC, IntelliStart, MassLynx, and ACQUITY TQD are trademarks of Waters Corporation.
Media Contact
Brian J. Murphy
Public Relations
+1 508-482-2614
brian_j_murphy@waters.com
SOURCE Waters Corporation
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