Evaluation and validation of the use of a molecularly imprinted polymer coupled to LC–MS for benzylpenicillin determination in meat samples

•A new analytical method using MISPE as cleanup step prior to analysis by LC–MS/MS.•Method suitable for cleanup and detection of benzylpenicillin in meat matrices.•Fully validated method according the European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC.•LOD’s for chicken and beef meat samples 8 and 3.5 times lower than the MRL. This article describes a full analytical method for the clean-up and detection of benzylpenicillin in chicken and beef meat samples using a previously developed molecularly imprinted polymer in a solid-phase extraction cleanup step followed by analysis using LC–MS/MS. The method was validated based on the criteria and the requirements of the European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. This validation revealed method performance characteristics that meet all the criteria in the Decision with limits of detection for chicken and beef meat samples of 6.2 and 14.4μg/kg, respectively, 8 and 3.5 times lower than the MRL. This method holds strong potential when a specific cleanup of benzylpenicillin is required, because with slight modifications it is also applicable in a milk matrix [1].