Ambient mass spectrometry as a tool to determine poultry production system history: a comparison of rapid evaporative ionisation mass spectrometry (REIMS) and direct analysis in real time (DART) ambient mass spectrometry platforms

Ambient mass spectrometry is a tool of growing interest for the testing of foodstuffs over the fifteen years since the pioneering techniques of desorption electro-spray ionisation (DESI), direct analysis in real time (DART) and atmospheric pressure solid analysis probe (ASAP) were first demonstrated. In this study, rapid evaporative ionisation mass spectrometry (REIMS) was compared with DART to assess whether either system was capable of correctly identifying poultry raised in one of six distinct production systems.

REIMS was able to correctly identify 98%–100% of birds based on their breed. The ability of this platform to identify birds based on their production system ranged from 60% to 100%, depending on the breed and production system involved. Furthermore, it showed 94%–100% accuracy in identifying premium products and shows substantial promise in detecting mislabelling frauds.

DART was able to identify 100% of birds based on both breed and production systems, but required extensive sample preparation which impacted throughput, thus DART is a more suitable technique for laboratory based testing as opposed to factory based. This study has shown, for the first time, the capabilities of ambient mass spectrometry as a tool to determine poultry production systems employed.