A “monomethod-heterotrait matrix” strategy was proposed for identification of CPMs.
27 QCGs were characterized by PIF and analysis of the MSE and Fast DDA data.
Six QCG markers were selected as the biomarkers of safflower.
Identification of safflower from 11 CPMs was achieved by a UHPLC/QTOF-SIM method.
UHPLC/QTOF-SIM enabled a practical and efficient identification of CPMs.