A Simple Analysis of 4-Methylimidazole Using Automated Solid-Phase Extraction and High Performance Liquid Chromatography with MS/MS and MS–SIM Detection.

The compound 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) is formed as a by-product in some foods and beverages. Caramel coloring Type III and Type IV in beverages is one of the ingredients which may contain 4-MEI and it may be found in products such as certain colas, beers, soy sauces, breads, coffee, ammoniated livestock feed, and others. There has been an increase in concern lately about 4-MEI being a suspected carcinogen. Europe has regulated the amount of 4-MEI allowed in coloring used in food products. The state of California has added 4-MEI to its proposition 65 list of known carcinogens. California now requires products with an exposure potential of >29 μg/day to carry warning labels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]