Analysis of Bisphenol A migration from microwaveable polycarbonate cups into coffee during microwave heating

Abstract

Summary Polycarbonate (PC) is a polymer containing Bisphenol A (BPA) monomers in its structure. It is frequently used in manufacturing consumer goods such as food storage containers, reusable water bottles, infant feeding bottles, microwave containers and microwaveable cups. Under varying pH and temperature conditions, additives used in the plastic manufacture can leach in trace levels into the food in contact and negatively affect human health over time. Therefore, quantitative determination of BPA in food can be of great significance. The present study analysed the migration of BPA in coffee from different qualities of polycarbonate microwaveable cups under the influence of microwave heating by reversed‐phase ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). The amount of BPA detected in samples ranged from undetected to 391.105 ± 0.05 μg kg−1. Results obtained indicate that BPA migration is minimal in good‐quality polycarbonate cups. Poor‐quality cups are accelerated time‐dependent; increased contact duration between polycarbonate and hot contact medium leads to more significant BPA migration. Furthermore, the BPA leaching process is enhanced during microwave heating due to high temperatures reached in a short time.

An overview of the migration status of bisphenol A from different food containers and packages

“…Therefore, recommended to avoid low-quality food containers. Furthermore, increasing contact time also increases his BPA migration from PC cups, according to the study of Agarwal et al (2022). Hence, consuming hot drinks in PC cups is not recommended (Agarwal et al, 2022).…”

“…Furthermore, increasing contact time also increases his BPA migration from PC cups, according to the study of Agarwal et al (2022). Hence, consuming hot drinks in PC cups is not recommended (Agarwal et al, 2022). When purchasing food containers and packaging, product labeling is one of the points to consider.…”

Bisphenol A release from food and beverage containers – A review

“…Lim et al (2009) showed that heating fat food simulants, steamed hot rice, and cooked hot pork by microwave resulted in BPA migration from PC containers. The variation in BPA release during microwave heating could differ by test condition and contact duration (Agarwal et al, 2022).…”

“…The process of manufacturing (incomplete polymerization) and technology of bottling (migration from materials in tanks and pipes), cross‐contamination, as well as the quality of raw material could result in the scattered presence of BPA (Amiridou & Voutsa, 2011; Guart et al, 2014; Kumar et al, 2023). The results of Agarwal et al (2022) indicated that local PC cups had higher BPA release than branded ones which was attributed to a higher amount of nonpolymerized compounds and lower hydrothermal stability of locally produced cups. Errico et al (2014) illustrated that the high leaching of BPA in cherry tomatoes compared to other tomato products is due to different processing conditions, and the thickness of the metal can change the coating.…”

The Potential of Bio-Based Polylactic Acid (PLA) as an Alternative in Reusable Food Containers: A Review

“…Although PET has a high melting point (Tm = 245-265 °C), it exhibits brittleness at frozen food temperatures and has a higher moisture vapor transmission rate and water uptake (%) compared to PP [9]. PC is not recommended as a food container for elevated temperature applications, as the migration level of bisphenols could exceed safe levels [10]. This study will focus, therefore, on the development of a biodegradable biopolymer to replace PP, the most functional plastic currently on the market, in relation to microwavable, reusable food containers (Table 1).…”