Updated overview of QuEChERS applications in food, environmental and biological analysis (2020–2023)

The primary challenge faced by researchers in multiresidue analysis is the development of efficient, environmentally friendly, and reliable methods to ensure the quality, safety, and traceability. The QuEChERS method has demonstrated remarkable versatility by achieving excellent results in various matrices and analytes. This approach offers flexibility by selecting different solvents, salts, and buffers for salting-out partitioning, as well as employing varied sorbents for the clean-up process. The method has emerged as a greener alternative to traditional sample preparation methods, aligning with the emphasis on sustainability in analytical chemistry. This review article aims to present an overview of the significant applications of the QuEChERS method in the period 2020–2023, focusing on its utilisation in environmental, food and feed, and biological analysis. It also provides insights into the groups of compounds to which this method has been successfully applied and discusses the key trends in the evolution of this sample preparation protocol. •QuEChERS is a preferred approach for multiresidue studies.•QuEChERS has been largely applied to environmental, food and biological analysis.•Modifications have been carried out to improve method performance and greenness.•Blurry boundaries exist for recent applications defined as QuEChERS approaches.•The method has been mainly combined with LC and GC hyphenated to MS.