There is a strong need for an extraction method which covers a
wide range of dyes in many matrices, particularly for routine
analysis. At the same time, the huge number and different chemical
properties of existing colorants ensure a lot of troubles in building
up a universal method. The proposed method allows the concurrent
analysis of 17 compounds in a variety of matrices (red and
yellow for solid matrices and red, yellow and blue for beverages).
The method for solid matrices was validated analyzing different
foodstuffs, in particular meat and fishery products, pastries, cakes,
jam, bakery products, fruit and vegetable sauces. This high heterogeneity,
inevitably, did not allow optimal validation performances
for all colorants in all matrices (Tables 2 and 3). In fact, quite
high variability was exhibited within validation parameters.
Repeatability and reproducibility values are related to fortification
levels of 100 mg kg1 and 25 mg kg1 for group A and B respectively.