Improving the efficiency of a pre-treatment method for sulphonamide detection in raw chicken meat by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

The increasing use of sulphonamides in poultry production raises food safety concerns due to potential health risks and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to validate an efficient sample pre-treatment method for the determination of eight sulphonamide residues in raw chicken meat using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), focusing on simplifying the extraction process. The improved method was applied to simplify the extraction process by eliminating the need for solid-phase extraction, thereby reducing cost and analysis time. Method validation in accordance with European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC to evaluate parameters such as specificity, linearity, matrix effect, precision, trueness, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). The results showed good specificity and linearity (R² > 0.99), acceptable trueness (80.21– 103.39%), and precision with HorRat values ranging from 0.301 to 0.687. All analytes exhibited higher sensitivity LODs below 0.6 µg/kg and LOQs below 5 µg/kg as compared to the current method. Significant matrix effects were observed, justifying the use of matrix-matched calibration for accurate quantification. The validated method offers a rapid, cost-effective, and sensitive approach suitable for routine screening of sulphonamide residues in poultry meat, contributing to improved food safety monitoring and regulatory compliance.