Microextraction Methods for the Separation-Preconcentration and Determination of Food Dyes: A Minireview

Dyes are widely used in the food. Limitations on their use have been imposed by regulating agencies. Since most dyes are harmful and carcinogenic, their use in food is no longer allowed. Typically these analyses require enrichment since the dyes are present at low concentrations. Various preconcentrations methods are used to ensure quality and safety that include single-drop microextraction, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction, hollow fiber liquid phase microextraction, homogeneous liquid-liquid microextraction, solid phase microextraction, vortex assisted liquid- liquid microextraction, and ultrasound assisted liquid- liquid microextraction. The determination food dyes by various microextraction methods with high enrichment factors and good sensitivity are reviewed. The separation-enrichment methods are discussed to illustrate their advantages and limiations.