Migration of bisphenol A from polycarbonate baby bottles purchased in the Spanish market by liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection

Abstract

During the last decade the safety of bisphenol A (BPA) monomer in polycarbonate baby bottles has drawn the attention of both the public and the scientific community. This paper presents the results of BPA migration from polycarbonate baby bottles bought in the Spanish market, into simulant B (3% acetic acid), 50% ethanol and into real food (reconstituted infant formula). Furthermore, it was also the objective of this study to assess the suitability of 50% ethanol as a simulant for infant formula. BPA was analysed by a multi-analyte liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection and mass spectrometry confirmation. The method was in-house validated and accredited by the national accreditation body. The validation results for this analyte in the previous mentioned matrices were: LOD = 0.004-0.007 mg kg(-1); LOQ (validated) = 0.03 mg kg(-1); RSD% = 3.4-5.8; and recovery = 106.6-118.2%. A collection of 72 different baby bottle samples from 12 different brands were analysed. Baby bottle material was identified by FTIR. The migration test conditions used were those recommended for baby bottles in the Guidelines on testing conditions for articles in contact with foodstuffs (with a focus on kitchenware), prepared by the European network of laboratories for food-contact materials. In most of the migration assays the results were below the LOD. In four of the commercial brands there was detectable migration into the simulant 50% ethanol and BPA was detected in only two samples of infant formula (0.01 mg kg(-1)). Migration results obtained were in compliance with European Union regulations.

Comparison of migration from polyethersulphone and polycarbonate baby bottles

“…It is important to note that the legal limit was 600 mg/kg polycarbonate bottles at the time of purchase, preceding the precautionary ban implemented from 1 June 2011 (EU 2011a(EU , 2011b. This confirms the results from a previous monitoring study carried out by the JRC in 2000 (Simoneau et al 2000) and from the most recent studies and enforcement campaigns (Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority 2008; Kubwabo et al 2009;Santillana et al 2011) that the likelihood of migration of BPA into the official simulant for milk (50% EtOH) is very low and remains at very minute amounts. Bottles were also analysed for other compounds, in work currently in progress, without showing any notable release .…”

“…Krishnan et al (1993) reported that BPA exhibited estrogenic activity. Since small amounts of BPA may leach from polycarbonate material into foodstuff, many studies have been conducted and reviewed on BPA release from baby bottles from mild to harsh conditions as well as ageing (Mountfort et al 1997;Brede et al 2003;BiedermannFood andConsumer Product Safety Authority 2005, 2008;Brem et al 2008;Ehlert et al 2008;Maragou et al 2008;Kubwabo et al 2009;Hoekstra and Simoneau 2011;Santillana et al 2011). …”

Recent advances in LC-MS analysis of food-packaging contaminants

“…Regarding BPA, many migration studies can be found in the literature during the last years. Of special interest are those performed from plastic baby bottles and baby bottle liners [69][70][71][72][73]. For instance, Kubwako et al [70] studied the migration of BPA into water (used as food simulant) from polycarbonate baby bottles, non-polycarbonate baby bottles, baby bottle liners and glass baby bottles.…”

Comparing different gas chromatographic methods for the quantification of bisphenol A (BPA) trace levels in paper and cardboard products from the market

“…LC has also been used in combination with fluorescence detection (FLD) (Yi et al 2010;Santillana et al 2011) and diode array detection (DAD) (Rezaee et al 2009). However, these methods are characterised by poor selectivity and sensitivity, resulting in high LODs and LOQs.…”