Capillary electrophoresis is an electrophoresis technique in which separation is performed in buffer-filled capillaries across which high voltages are applied. Charged molecules migrate at different speeds according to their charge and size, separating into sharp bands. Advantages over conventional electrophoretic techniques include much faster analysis, tiny sample requirements and the possibility of incorporating on-line detection of separated species. Food laboratories use it to analyse proteins, organic acids, additives, vitamins and contaminants with high resolution and speed. Its speed and automation have made it a valuable tool for routine quality control as well as research into food composition and authenticity.