HPLC–MS validation of QualisaFoo® biosensor kit for cost-effective control of acrylamide levels in Italian coffee

Acrylamide is a carcinogenic and mutagenic compound found in many industrially processed foods and beverages, including coffee. The aim of this work is to determine the acrylamide level in some Italian coffees by using a mass spectrometry method and an enzymatic test kit. Comparison of average values in four Italian coffees determined using the two methods permitted us to validate the results obtained with the kit, hence the kit itself, showing that acrylamide is present in low amount. The amount of acrylamide was also determined in other foods, by using the kit. This work shows that there is a correspondence between the two methods and that the kit provides a cost-effective method to determine the amount of acrylamide in food.