Analysis of volatile compounds in solid samples of infant formula by direct desorption (CIS4-TDU) and GC-MS

The GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) technique applied to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) allowed their characterization and quantification, as relative abundance, in food samples. Aim of this study was to investigate the application of the CIS4-TDU-GC-MS technique for identification of VOCs in infant formula samples of powdered milk. The Liner–in–liner technique adopted allowed a direct thermal desorption and cryotrapping of VOCs without memory effect, avoiding sample preparation and contaminations. The analyses led to the identification of some characteristic off-flavours, which were used as molecular markers to discriminate samples with different oxidation degree.