Robust HPLC determination of synthetic food colorants in alcoholic beverages

Synthetic food colorants are widely added to alcoholic beverages to enhance their visual appeal and marketability and sensory experience by evoking color–flavor associations, drawing consumers' attention and reinforcing brand identity. These additives ensure uniformity and stability across batches, resist degradation caused by light and heat, and allow for a wide range of shades for flexible formulations while offering a more cost-effective and easily accessible alternative to natural options. Unfortunately, these substances can pose several health risks, including allergic reactions, carcinogenic concerns, behavioral changes, potential genotoxic effects, and toxicity affecting liver and kidney function, hence necessitating vigilant monitoring. To address these concerns, the present work aimed to develop a robust analytical method using minimal sample processing and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for accurate and rapid determination of synthetic colorants in alcoholic beverages. Analytical determinations were performed on an Agilent 1100 system equipped with a diode array detector (DAD), with separations accomplished on a C18 column using gradient elution with ammonium acetate buffer and acetonitrile as the mobile phase. The diode array detector was programmed to monitor the analytes at an Lmax value in the range of 350–800 nm. Quantification was based on the external standard method. The HPLC method was optimized and validated, demonstrating a fast run-time of less than 20 minutes, sensitivity, accuracy, and suitability for the routine analysis of alcoholic beverages containing a broad range of colorants (E 102, E 110, E 122, E 124, E 126, E 129, E 131, and E 133). Application of this method to commercially available alcoholic beverages on the Romanian market revealed compliance with the Romanian and EU regulations, with only a few products containing certain undeclared colorants in addition to those listed on their labels (E 110, E 126, and E 133). This highlights the method's suitability for addressing current concerns related to consumer safety and regulatory compliance in the alcoholic beverage industry.