Study the Contamination of Some Chemical Pollutants in Hot Foods Stored in Plastic Bags and Containers

Abstract

Plastic food containers and bags are classified as the most dangerous food and water contaminants around the world, because of the possibility to transfer the chemicals from it to food as a result of heating. Therefore this study was aimed to estimate the chemical pollutants (heavy metals included lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury and zinc) that transfer from plastic food containers and bags to food. Thirty food containers (15 packages and 15 bags) synthesized from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) were purchased from the local market in Baghdad. Cut each into small equal pieces (0.5×0.5) cm and placed in a thermo glass containers then submerged 3 food solution (D.W, 3%, acetic acid, and olive oil). Two thermal treatments were done on it; the first one was carried out by boiling on a hot plate surface for 10 and 15 minutes, and the second by heating in microwave for 5 and 10 minutes, heavy metals were estimated by using Atomic Absorption technique. The results showed the significant difference between the concentration of the elements at level (p<o.o5) in these treatment. Also transfer of heavy elements at zero time was very small percentage and insignificant, and the concentration of heavy metals in three solutions were increased as C>B>A after treated with two thermal treatment. The concentration of all heavy elements in this solution after heating for 10 minutes and heating in microwave for 5 and 10 minutes. Were higher than the acceptable limits by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Commission (EU).

Health Risk of Food Additives: Recent Developments and Trends in the Food Sector

“…The phrase chemical contamination indicates the presence of a chemical where it should not be [11,13]. A chemical hazard may originate from the plate, packaging material, air, water, soil, disinfectants, detergents, pesticides, of from excess levels of metals in or on contaminated meat, vegetables and fruits, infected animals, among others [12,[14][15][16]. However, this chapter does not describe food contaminants as they are not regarded as additives.…”

“…Indirect food contaminants can originate from migration of chemical compounds from plastic food containers or bags when heated; and printed closed packaging materials, glue and adhesives [13]. This is of concern as high concentration in food and water pose serious public health risks especially when the level of migrant chemical is significant [14,[16][17][18]. The growth in agribusiness and globalizations have aided the increasing risk and challenge that has become a global problem [19].…”

Effect of transglutaminase on mechanical and barrier properties of edible films made from soybeen and why protein isolate

“…Through the cross-linking provided by this enzyme by linking the polymer chains by the covalent bonds that it forms, and through the studies conducted by the researchers, they found its high potential to improve the properties of the protein membranes, where the cross-linking is one of the most accepted methods of modifying the properties of the protein (1). Most of the studies focused on whey proteins, soybeans, collagen, gelatin, casein, corn zein and wheat gluten as one of the most protein sources used in preparing edible films and coatings (2). Edible films prepared a suitable alternative to Plastic food containers and bags classified under ) Polyethylene Terephthalate ( .…”