Development and Validation of an HPLC-UV Method for the Determination Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate Ester in Alcoholic Beverages

An HPLC method with UV detector was developed for the determination of DEHP phthalate ester in the alcoholic beverage “Ouzo”. Phthalate esters are added to plastic packaging for food and beverages to increase flexibility, transparency, strength, and longevity. When these substances come into contact with food or beverages, they can lead to the migration of phthalate residues into the product. This paper presents a two-step process involving extraction of the sample with hexane and separation of the phthalates by HPLC. The method was validated for specificity, linearity, limit of quantification, accuracy, precision, range, and ruggedness. The linear range is 0.3–1.5 mg/L DEHP, with a lower limit of quantification of 0.06 mg/L. The precision study showed acceptable RSD values, and the working range is 0.3 to 1.5 mg/L DEHP. The relative standard uncertainty of DEHP determination in Ouzo was ±8%. The results show that the in-house method is suitable, reliable, and fit-for-purpose.