Abstract: In this paper, a high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was established for the determination of 15 toxic alkaloids in food samples. Extraction conditions, purification methods and instrumental parameters were optimized. Samples were extracted with 20% ethanol solution, and the supernatant was separated and analyzed after centrifugation. The external standard method was used for quantification. The limits of detection (LODs) of 15 alkaloids were in range of 4–20 μg/kg and the limits of quantification (LOQ) were in range of 10–80 μg/kg. The recoveries of the method were in range of 80.9%–119.8% at spiked levels of LOQ, 3 LOQ and 5 LOQ, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) lower than 10%, which met the analytical requirements. This method was found to be useful for rapid screening and quantitative analysis of 15 toxic alkaloids in plant-derived drinks, cereal products, fruits and vegetables.

Key words: high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, food, toxic alkaloids