Assessing Chemical Migration from Plastic Food Packaging into Food Simulant by Gas and Liquid Chromatography with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Some components of plastic food packaging can migrate into food, and whereas migration studies of known components are required and relatively straightforward, identification of nonintentionally added substances (NIAS; unknowns) is challenging yet imperative to better characterizing food safety. To this aim, migration was investigated across 24 unique plastic food packaging products including plastic wrap, storage bags, vacuum bags, and meat trays. Gas and liquid chromatography separation systems coupled with Orbitrap mass analyzers were used for comprehensive nontargeted screening of migrants. Tentative identifications of features were assigned by searching commercial databases (e.g., NIST, MZCloud, ChemSpider, Extractables and Leachables) and filtering results based on mass accuracy, retention time indices, and mass spectral patterns. Several migrants showed elevated levels in specific food packaging types, particularly meat trays and plastic wrap, and varying degrees of migration over the 10 days. Eleven putative migrants are listed as substances of potential concern or priority hazardous substances. Additionally, migration amounts of an Irgafos 168 degradation product determined by semiquantitation exceeded proposed theoretical maximum migration values.

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

“…This material is referred to as non-intentional added substances (NIAS) [76][77][78]. The identity, toxicology, and quantity of migrated material into food items under conditions of intended use are considered [79]. Nano-and microplastics (NMPs) and the negative health effects of NMP ingestion due to plastic food packaging or containers have gained the attention of consumers in recent years.…”

Usability of cellulose‐based binder in water‐based flexographic ink

“…For this reason, low molecular weight substances contained in printing inks, varnishes and adhesives that are not in direct contact with the food applied for the purpose of giving visuality to the packaging material may pass into the packaged food and create chemical reactions between the material components [9,10]. These may cause deterioration of packaged foodstuffs and, as a result, risks to consumer health [11,12]. For this reason, it is important that the ink or protective materials applied to the surface are in accordance with the national packaging regulations and are used as specified in the regulations [13,14].…”