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The aim of this work was to develop active packaging based on polypropylene (PP) and polylactic acid (PLA) matrices using a high value by-product extracted from orange peel as an active compound for food packaging applications. Different films with and without orange peel extract (OPE) based on PP and PLA were obtained via cast extrusion and characterized in terms of their mechanical, thermal, optical, and sealing properties. The films obtained were transparent, but when OPE was incorporated, the transmittance spectrum decreased, causing slight coloration. Mechanical properties were affected by the incorporation of OPE, as elongation at break and tensile strength increased in the cross-direction of the PP film, although the main differences found were related to the polymer itself. In addition, sealing strength also increased via the incorporation of OPE in the PP matrix. However, thermal properties were not affected by OPE in the PP matrix but slightly decreased stability in PLA. Regarding antimicrobial activity in in vitro studies, no inhibition of the growth of Listeria innocua, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger, or Escherichia coli was observed. Finally, antioxidant activity was observed in in vitro studies with 2,2-Diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. The results of this study showed that the obtention of materials with OPE incorporated into the PLA and PP matrix is feasible. The new materials obtained can be used for applications of oxidation-sensitive fresh products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article will focus on the issue of protection against the pathogenic biofilm development on steel surfaces within the food sectors, highlighting steel's prominence as a material choice in these areas. Pathogenic microorganism-based biofilms present significant health hazards in the food industry. Current scientific research offers a variety of solutions to the problem of protecting metal surfaces in contact with food from the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. One promising strategy to prevent bacterial growth involves applying a polymeric layer to metal surfaces, which can function as either an antiadhesive barrier or a bactericidal agent. Thus, the review aims to thoroughly examine the application of antibacterial polymer coatings on steel, a key material in contact with food, summarizing research advancements in this field. The investigation into polymer antibacterial coatings is organized into three primary categories: antimicrobial agent-releasing coatings, contact-based antimicrobial coatings, and antifouling coatings. Antibacterial properties of the studied types of coatings are determined not only by their composition, but also by the methods for applying them to metal and coating surfaces. A review of the current literature indicates that coatings based on polymers substantially enhance the antibacterial properties of metallic surfaces. Furthermore, these coatings contribute additional benefits including improved corrosion resistance, enhanced aesthetic appeal, and the provision of unique design elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastics constitute a vast array of substances, with over 16 000 known plastic chemicals, including intentionally and non-intentionally added substances. Thousands of chemicals, including toxic ones, are extractable from plastics, however, the extent to which these compounds migrate from everyday products into food or water remains poorly understood. This study aims to characterize the endocrine and metabolism disrupting activity, as well as the chemical composition of migrates from plastic food contact articles (FCAs) from four countries as significant sources of human exposure. Fourteen plastic FCAs covering seven polymer types with high global market shares were migrated into water and a water–ethanol mixture as food simulants according to European regulations. The migrates were analyzed using reporter gene assays for nuclear receptors relevant to human health and non-target chemical analysis to characterize the chemical composition. Chemicals migrating from each FCA interfered with at least two nuclear receptors, predominantly targeting pregnane X receptor (24/28 migrates). Moreover, peroxisome proliferator receptor gamma was activated by 19 out of 28 migrates, though mostly with lower potencies. Estrogenic and antiandrogenic activity was detected in eight and seven migrates, respectively. Fewer chemicals and less toxicity migrated into water compared to the water–ethanol mixture. However, 73 % of the 15 430 extractable chemical features also transferred into food simulants, and the water–ethanol migrates exhibited a similar toxicity prevalence compared to methanol extracts. The chemical complexity differed largely between FCAs, with 8 to 10 631 chemical features migrating into food simulants. Using stepwise partial least squares regressions, we successfully narrowed down the list of potential active chemicals, identified known endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as triphenyl phosphate, and prioritized chemical features for further identification. This study demonstrates the migration of endocrine and metabolism disrupting chemicals from plastic FCAs into food simulants, rendering a migration of these compounds into food and beverages probable.

ObjectiveTo study test time and temperature of specific migration tests for hot drink cup through a questionnaire and a laboratory real temperature measurement method.MethodsThe consumption habits of consumers were investigated by means of questionnaires， the estimated time of contact with food during the general actual use of the hot drink cup was obtained， and the migration time required for the specific migration quantity test of the hot drink cup was obtained. Using real food to reproduce the actual use of the hot drink cup in a simulated consumption environment， and using an automatic temperature recorder to record the temperature changes during the test， the migration temperature required for the specific migration test of the hot drink cup was obtained.ResultsAccording to the survey results of consumers’ consumption habits in a restaurant， most consumers， in the process of eating in the restaurant， had an actual contact time with a hot drink cup of 1 h. According to the temperature measurement results during the actual use of the hot drink cup， its average temperature in different conditions within 1 h was 60 ℃-66 ℃.ConclusionAccording to a questionnaire and measured temperatures， it is recommended that a specific migration test condition of 70 ℃ for 1 h is selected. This study on specified migration conditions， including duration and temperature， was conducted through investigation and measurements and can be used as a reference to relevant testing institutions and laboratories when testing dine-in hot drink cups.

Copyright of China Plastics / Zhongguo Suliao is the property of Journal Office of CHINA PLASTICS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the frame of the European Food Risk Assessment (EU‐FORA) fellowship programme, two studies on chemical contaminants in food matrices were carried out in Warsaw, Poland, at the Department of Food Safety and Chemical Analysis, Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology. The first study addressed health concerns about the dietary exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) contamination due to consumption of soft drink by Polish population. BPA is an organic additive used in the production of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics and because of this it is used in the internal coating of cans and in plastic bottle production. Depending on several factors, BPA can migrate from these materials to the soft drink and so, it can be ingested by consumers causing hormonal and reproductive disorders. To estimate the Polish population exposure to BPA, several soft drinks belonging to different brands were purchased from a supermarket in the city of Warsaw and analysed. The result of the analysis highlight that mean BPA exposure in the Polish population exceeds the tolerable daily intake proposed by the EFSA scientific opinion, raising health concerns. On the other hand, the second study, focused on cadmium exposure due to chocolate consumption by Polish population, did not raise any health concern. Cadmium is a heavy metal that naturally occurs in its inorganic form in the environment and its presence in chocolate derives only from the cocoa beans and not from contamination during processing. Its accumulation in the human body can create several adverse effects, including renal dysfunction and failure. To estimate the Polish population exposure to cadmium, several chocolate bars were purchased from a supermarket in the city of Warsaw and analysed. The results of the analysis show that cadmium exposure in the Polish population does not exceed the tolerable weekly intake proposed by the EFSA scientific opinion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs), also known as polychlorinated alkanes (PCA), are a very complex class of polyhalogenated compounds currently produced in unmatchable amounts for different industrial uses. Short-chain CPs (SCCPs; C10- to C13-CPs) are listed as POPs in the Stockholm Convention and medium-chain CPs (MCCPs; C14- to C17-CPs) are proposed for listing. Here, we investigated the presence of SCCPs and MCCPs in 21 rubber samples used as food contact materials from the German market. For this purpose, an analytical method was developed which consisted of (i) freezing and (ii) grounding of the material, (iii) removal of oligomers by adsorption chromatography, (iv) matrix destruction with sulfuric acid, and (v) GC/ECNI-MS screening and quantification. Three of the rubber samples were found to contain predominantly MCCPs at 69, 113,000 and 341,000 mg/kg. The highest amount (corresponding with 34 weight-% CPs) was determined in one rubber band sample used to bundle a bunch of spring onions. A very high CP content of >300,000 mg/kg in this rubber band sample was confirmed by quantitative 1H NMR (qNMR) analysis. This rubber material was in direct contact with the onions and leaching of CPs into the food cannot be excluded. Even more, micro-abrasions of rubber could be unintentionally swallowed by the consumer and this CP exposure could be higher than the current CP intake via food.

Microplastics released from food contact materials have raised concerns regarding their safety implications for human health. In this way, several studies have shown that microplastics can migrate from food contact materials into beverages and food, leading to human exposure through ingestion. The small size and persistent nature of microplastics make them capable of accumulating in various organs and tissues, potentially causing adverse health effects. Furthermore, the toxicological properties are amplified by their ability to adsorb and transport hazardous chemicals, including additives, endocrine disruptors, and toxic metals. Their health impacts include inflammation, oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and disruption of the endocrine system. Carcinogenic effects, reproductive disorders, and developmental abnormalities have also been reported. Moreover, microplastics can act as vectors for microbial pathogens, posing additional health risks. Further research and testing methods are required to understand the sources, distribution, and toxicity of microplastic particles, to improve customers safety issue. Additionally, concerted efforts from stakeholders, including manufacturers, regulators, and consumers are needed, including activities that support the development and adoption of alternative non-toxic, biodegradable, and sustainable packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic products are among the most frequently used food contact materials. Health risks associated with ceramic tableware usually arise from the migration of heavy metals. In this study, 767 pieces of ceramic tableware of different shapes and types were collected across China, and the migration levels of 18 elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Migration tests were conducted according to the Chinese National Food Safety Standard – Ceramic Ware (GB 4806.4) with microwaveable and non-microwavable samples under different conditions. The food consumption of consumers via different shapes of ceramic tableware was obtained through a self-reported web-based survey, and the estimated dietary intakes of the studied elements were calculated accordingly. The exposure assessment showed that certain metals leached from the ceramic tableware at levels of concern. In addition, the applicability of the migration experiment conditions for microwaveable ceramic ware in GB 4806.4 needs to be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article will focus on the issue of protection against the pathogenic biofilm development on steel surfaces within the food sectors, highlighting steel’s prominence as a material choice in these areas. Pathogenic microorganism-based biofilms present significant health hazards in the food industry. Current scientific research offers a variety of solutions to the problem of protecting metal surfaces in contact with food from the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. One promising strategy to prevent bacterial growth involves applying a polymeric layer to metal surfaces, which can function as either an antiadhesive barrier or a bactericidal agent. Thus, the review aims to thoroughly examine the application of antibacterial polymer coatings on steel, a key material in contact with food, summarizing research advancements in this field. The investigation into polymer antibacterial coatings is organized into three primary categories: antimicrobial agent-releasing coatings, contact-based antimicrobial coatings, and antifouling coatings. Antibacterial properties of the studied types of coatings are determined not only by their composition, but also by the methods for applying them to metal and coating surfaces. A review of the current literature indicates that coatings based on polymers substantially enhance the antibacterial properties of metallic surfaces. Furthermore, these coatings contribute additional benefits including improved corrosion resistance, enhanced aesthetic appeal, and the provision of unique design elements.

Canning, as a preservation technique, is widely used to extend the shelf life as well as to maintain the quality of perishable foods. During the canning process, most of the microorganisms are killed, reducing their impact on food quality and safety. However, the presence of a range of undesirable chemical contaminants has been reported in canned foods and in relation to the canning process. The present review provides an overview of these chemical contaminants, including metals, polymeric contaminants and biogenic amine contaminants. They have various origins, including migration from the can materials, formation during the canning process, or contamination during steps required prior to canning (e.g. the disinfection step). Some other can-packaged foods (e.g. beverages or milk powder), which are not canned foods by definition, were also discussed in this review, as they have been frequently studied simultaneously with canned foods in terms of contamination. The occurrence of these contaminants, the analytical techniques involved, and the factors influencing the presence of these contaminants in canned food and can-packaged food are summarized and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to its excellent properties, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used as food containers in mineral water, soft drinks, beers, etc., resulting in a huge waste of PET bottles which increases the environmental burden. With the development of the recycling technology of PET bottles, the discarded PET bottles after consumption have been reused as food containers in many countries successfully. This paper is mainly focused on the new developments of chemical and physical PET recycling technology and its application in enterprises and outlines regulations in the United States, Canada, the European Union, Britain, Japan, South Korea and other countries. The relevant laws and regulations of PET recycling as food containers in our country have also been reviewed. The purpose of this paper is to provide reference opinions on recycling PET to produce food contact materials in China, including promoting waste classification management, improving the risk assessment systems, and formulating relevant national food safety standards.

The traditional potassium permanganate consumption (COD) test method is the detection method which has been widely used for many years. It has been applied to the detection of food contact materials and its products because it has some advantages, such as experimental operation, simple experimental principle and low experimental cost. But when dealing with a large number of samples, the traditional COD test method seems to be not very well. The traditional COD test method has some big disadvantages, such as low detection efficiency and high manpower cost investment. Therefore, some COD automatic titrators based on potentiometric titration technology have been invented in recent years. However, this type of COD automatic titrator is fundamentally different from the traditional COD test method in principle. The COD automatic measuring instrument based on color recognition technology can replace manual work while maintaining the same principle with the traditional COD test method, meeting the test requirements on technical indicators, realizing automation and improving the detection efficiency. This paper introduces a kind of COD automatic measuring instrument based on color recognition technology, and improves and optimizes the automatic titrator by experimental data.

ObjectiveTo support the probabilistic assessment of food contact materials with consumption parameters and methodology， the establishment of consumption data based on food contact area with different types of alcoholic beverages and different food contact materials was studied.MethodsBased on probability distribution， food contact surface area/volume ratio （S/V） data and alcoholic beverages consumption data were regarded as two independent distribution populations. Monte Carlo simulation was used to calculate the distribution of the food contact area based on consumption data. One thousand rounds of random sampling were conducted in the two populations to quantify the uncertainty.ResultsCategorized by alcoholic beverages-food contact material， beer-glass had the highest average food contact area based on consumption， with an average of 5.500 dm2/d and a 95%CI of 5.302-5.705 dm2/d. Categorized by food contact material， alcoholic beverages with aluminum coating had the highest average food contact area based on consumption， with an average of 5.213 dm2/d and a 95%CI of 4.929-5.532 dm2/d.ConclusionThe food contact area based on consumption data of alcoholic beverages can be the basic parameter for the probabilistic assessment of food contact materials of alcoholic beverages in China， which can be used for the accurate dietary exposure assessment.

The presence of Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol A Diglycidyl Ether (BADGE), and their derivatives in seventy-nine samples of food products available in Turkish stores was determined using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Among Bisphenol A and its analogues, BPA was the most detected migrant with 56.97%. Fish products had the highest level of BPA with 0.102 mg/kg although only three fish samples exceeded the Specific Migration Limit (SML) for BPA of 0.05 mg/kg of food. The BPF, BPS, and BPB in all analyzed foods ranged between 0–0.021, 0–0.036, and 0.072 mg/kg, respectively. BADGE derivates, BADGE·2H2O and cyclo-di-BADGE (CdB) were present in 57 and 52 samples with concentrations ranging between 0–0.354, and 0–1.056 mg/kg, respectively. All the analyzed traditional Turkish ready-to-eat meals and fish products were contaminated with BADGE·2H2O and CdB. The overall levels of BADGE and the derivates were below the specific migration limit. CdB was found at higher concentrations in traditional Turkish ready-to-eat meals, up to 1.056 mg/kg. The CdB concentration in most of the samples was above the highest figure with 0.05 mg/kg authorized by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. The predominant chlorinated derivative was BADGE·H2O·HCl which was found in thirty-seven samples in the range of 0.007–0.061 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food contamination caused by microorganisms is a significant issue in the food field that not only affects the shelf life of food, but also threatens human health, causing huge economic losses. Considering that the materials in direct or indirect contact with food are important carriers and vectors of microorganisms, the development of antibacterial food contact materials is an important coping strategy. However, different antibacterial agents, manufacturing methods, and material characteristics have brought great challenges to the antibacterial effectiveness, durability, and component migration associated with the use security of materials. Therefore, this review focused on the most widely used metal-type food contact materials and comprehensively presents the research progress regarding antibacterial food contact materials, hoping to provide references for exploring novel antibacterial food contact materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The globalization of the market, as well as the increasing world population, which require a higher demand for food products, pose a great challenge to ensure food safety and prevent food loss and waste. In this sense, active materials with antibacterial properties are an important alternative in the prolongation of shelf life and ensuring food safety. In this work, the ability of copper(II) hydroxy nitrate (CuHS) to obtain antibacterial films based on low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polylactic acid (PLA), was evaluated. The thermal properties of the composites, evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), showed that the concentrations of added CuHS do not particularly change these characteristics with respect to the neat polymer matrix films. The mechanical properties, determined using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMTA), indicate a small increase in the brittleness of the material in PLA-based composites. The antibacterial properties against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica were evaluated using a surface contact test, and a bacterial reduction of at least 8 to 9 logarithmic units for the composites with 0.3% CuHS, both in LDPE and PLA and against both bacteria, were achieved. The reusability of the composite films after their first use demonstrated a higher stability against Listeria monocytogenes. The migration and cytotoxicity of the composites loaded with 0.3% CuHS was evaluated, demonstrating the safety of these materials, which reinforces their potential use in food packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic recycling is necessary to reduce pollution. However, the impurities in recycled plastics restrict their applications. Potential contaminants in recycled plastics were investigated by untargeted and targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). More than 2000 features were screened by comparing the recycled plastics with food contact polyolefin materials. A total of 126 substances was identified using the mzCloud database. In order to assess the risk of recycled plastics, Cramer rules were applied to predict the safety levels of the identified compounds. 23 identified Cramer class III compounds were assigned, including plasticizers, antioxidants, and flame retardants. Six more commonly identified toxic compounds were further characterized by standards using tandem mass spectrometry. These results suggested that the identification of contaminants in recycled plastics by LC-MS and mzCloud match was reliable. Additionally, their concentrations were determined by LC-MS to estimate the potential risk of recycled plastics. The results show that the organic additives in recycled plastics and food contact polyolefins are significantly different. Recycled plastics may present a safety risk and should be assessed before use in some applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper and cardboard for food packaging are non-inert materials that can transfer chemical compounds by migration into food. Phthalates, namely dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene (DIPN) are some of the compounds that can migrate into food. In this study, 7 dry foods [wheat flour (2), powdered chocolate (2), cornstarch, toast and biscuit] in paper packaging were evaluated for the presence of DBP, DIBP, DEHP and DIPN by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Only two food samples (powdered chocolate and toast) did not contain any of the studied substances. In the other dry food samples, 1, respectively 2 of the investigated phthalates were detected. DEHP was found in the highest concentration (ranging from 1.56 to 3.85 mg kg− 1), followed by DIBP (ranging from 0.36 to 1.51 mg kg− 1). The values exceeded the migration limits established by Mercosur and European Union legislation by 2.5 to 5 times, indicating the need to improve process control and to adopt stricter good manufacturing practices, in order to avoid exposure of the population to these substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to European regulations, migration from food packaging must be safe. However, currently, there is no consensus on how to evaluate its safety, especially for non-intentionally added substances (NIAS). The intensive and laborious approach, involving identification and then quantification of all migrating substances followed by a toxicological evaluation, is not practical or feasible. In alignment with the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) and the European Union (EU) guidelines on packaging materials, efforts are focused on combining data from analytics, bioassays and in silico toxicology approaches for the risk assessment of packaging materials. Advancement of non-targeted screening approaches using both analytical methods and in vitro bioassays is key. A protocol was developed for the chemical and biological screening of migrants from coated metal packaging materials. This protocol includes guidance on sample preparation, migrant simulation, chemical analysis using liquid chromatography (LC-MS) and validated bioassays covering endocrine activity, genotoxicity and metabolism-related targets. An inter-laboratory study was set-up to evaluate the consistency in biological activity and analytical results generated between three independent laboratories applying the developed protocol and guidance. Coated packaging metal panels were used in this case study. In general, the inter-laboratory chemical analysis and bioassay results displayed acceptable consistency between laboratories, but technical differences led to different data interpretations (e.g., cytotoxicity, cell passages, chemical analysis). The study observations with the greatest impact on the quality of the data and ultimately resulting in discrepancies in the results are given and suggestions for improvement of the protocol are made (e.g., sample preparation, chemical analysis approaches). Finally, there was agreement on the need for an aligned protocol to be utilized by qualified laboratories for chemical and biological analyses, following best practices and guidance for packaging safety assessment of intentionally added substances (IAS) and NIAS to avoid inconsistency in data and the final interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used food contact materials due to its excellent mechanical properties and recyclability. Migration of substances from PET and assessment of compliance are usually determined by experimental testing, which can be challenging depending on the migrants of interest. Low concentrations and missing reference standards, among other factors, have led to inadequate investigation of the migration potential of PET oligomers. Migration modeling can overcome such limitations and is therefore a suitable starting point for exposure and risk assessment. In this study, the activation energy-based (EA) model and the AP model were used to systematically evaluate the migration potential of 52 PET oligomers for 12 different application scenarios. Modeling parameters and conditions were evaluated to investigate their impact and relevance on the assessment of realistic exposures. Obtained results were compared with safety thresholds known from the concept of toxicological thresholds of concern. This allowed the evaluation and identification of oligomers and/or applications where migration or exposure levels may be associated with a potential risk because they exceed these safety thresholds. Overall, this study demonstrated that migration modeling can be a high-throughput, fast, flexible, and suitable approach for comprehensive exposure assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic materials are the main food packaging material both in developed and developing countries, because of their reliable ability to protect and transport food at lower costs. Unfortunately, they harm the environment due to their resistance to biodegradation, lack of waste management, and restricted recyclability. Moreover, they may pose adverse health effects to consumers. Therefore, there is a need to develop environmentally friendly food packaging using bio-based or biodegradable materials. For instance, several innovations based on biopolymers are being developed especially in developed countries. On the other side, in many developing countries, there is a long tradition of using plant leaves as food packaging. These leaves have cultural, religious, and environmental significance in the tropics. Unfortunately, they do not always guarantee the integrity of the packaged products and there is a need to promote them to take full advantage of their potential. However, there is little information on leaf packaging in literature. Therefore, this review aims to provide an overview on the state-of-the-art of leaf packaging in developing countries, in an attempt to compile the information required for further investigations needed to take full advantage of the environmental importance of leaf packaging. This study highlights mainly various plant species used as leaf packaging, treatments undergone by the leaves before their use, and leaf packaging effects on food quality and safety. It also discusses future perspectives to promote leaf packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Method developed for PFAS in various food matrices. • Limit of quantification for 4 regulated EFSA PFAS in the lower ng/kg range achieved. • The method can also be used for food contact materials. • The method was applied to food contact material, seaweed samples, eggs and milk. Dietary intake is the major pathway of human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Due to their generally very low concentrations in food, especially for foods of plant origin, and their toxicological relevance, demand is growing for improved selective and sensitive analytical methods for the determination of PFAS in the lower ng/kg range. The relevance is pointed out due to the fact that the European Commission has published limits of quantification (LOQs) in the lower ng/kg range for different food matrices in Recommendation (EU) 2022/1431 on the monitoring of perfluoroalkyl substances in food. For example, LOQs of 2 ng/kg for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), 1 ng/kg for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), 1 ng/kg for perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and 4 ng/kg for perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) in fruit, vegetables and baby foods are required. A new, very sensitive method is presented here for the determination of 22 PFAS in food and food contact materials. The method is based on liquid-solid extraction and automated clean-up using two solid phase extraction techniques. The analytes are separated and detected by HPLC-MS/MS. A limit of detection (LOD) of 0.33 ng/kg and an LOQ of 1.0 ng/kg are attained for plant foods such as fruits and vegetables as well as for milk and baby food. For foods of animal origin such as egg, meat, fish and paper-based food contact materials an LOD of 1.6 ng/kg as well as an LOQ of 5.0 ng/kg are attained. PFOS and PFOA were the most abundant compounds in the food samples with concentration as high as 1,051 ng/kg of PFOA in sea weed samples and 772 ng/kg of PFOS in eggs samples. In food contact material samples, higher levels were found with a maximum of 310,000 ng/kg PFHxA. In sum the presented method firstly allows determination of PFAS in a wide variety of foodstuffs and paper-based food contact materials at EU-required concentration ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Databased linear retention indices of any compound often show high variety. • A scoring system was developed to assess factors affecting retention indices. • Carrier gas type, flow rate and internal diameter of a column cannot be the cause. • Heating rate, column length and film thickness are determining parameters of LRI. • Capillary column chemistry (not simply polarity) has a major effect on LRI. Retention in gas chromatographic systems has a central role in the identification of compounds even if detectors providing spectral information are used. But linear retention indices (LRI) of a single compound originating from multiple sources tend to vary greatly, probably due to differences in the experimental settings of the determinations. The effect of gas chromatographic parameters on LRI has been investigated using 41 compounds – previously identified from food contact plastics – and n -alkanes (n -C 7 – n -C 40) used as reference series. As the reproducibility of LRI s under the same conditions is generally very good, the smallest changes in the settings often caused statistically significant, though irrelevant changes in the LRI values. Therefore, a multicriterial scoring-ranking system has been worked out to highlight the LRI value differences. Our results highlight that column length, heating rate, and film thickness can all be the reasons of the varying published LRI values. We also demonstrated that for the reproduction of LRI data, the chemistry (and not simply the polarity) of the stationary phase is crucial. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Plastics / Zhongguo Suliao is the property of Journal Office of CHINA PLASTICS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of China Plastics / Zhongguo Suliao is the property of Journal Office of CHINA PLASTICS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The safety evaluation of food contact materials requires excluding mutagenicity and genotoxicity in migrates. Testing the migrates using in vitro bioassays has been proposed to address this challenge. To be fit for that purpose, bioassays must be capable of detecting very low, safety relevant concentrations of DNA-damaging substances. There is currently no bioassay compatible with such qualifications. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), coupled with the planar SOS Umu-C (p-Umu-C) bioassay, was suggested as a promising rapid test (~6 h) to detect the presence of low levels of mutagens/genotoxins in complex mixtures. The current study aimed at incorporating metabolic activation in this assay and testing it with a set of standard mutagens (4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide, aflatoxin B1, mitomycin C, benzo(a)pyrene, N-ethyl nitrourea, 2-nitrofluorene, 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene, 2-aminoanthracene and methyl methanesulfonate). An effective bioactivation protocol was developed. All tested mutagens could be detected at low concentrations (0.016 to 230 ng/band, according to substances). The calculated limits of biological detection were found to be up to 1400-fold lower than those obtained with the Ames assay. These limits are lower than the values calculated to ensure a negligeable carcinogenic risk of 10−5. They are all compatible with the threshold of toxicological concern for chemicals with alerts for mutagenicity (150 ng/person). They cannot be achieved by any other currently available test procedures. The p-Umu-C bioassay may become instrumental in the genotoxicity testing of complex mixtures such as food packaging, foods, and environmental samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemicals from packaging materials might be transferred into food resulting in consumer exposure. Identifying these migrated chemicals is highly challenging and crucial to perform their safety assessment, usually starting by the understanding of the chemical composition of the packaging material itself. This study explores the use of the Molecular Networking (MN) approach to support identification of the extracted chemicals. Two formulations of bioplastics were analyzed using Liquid Chromatography hyphenated to High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry. Data processing and interpretation using a conventional manual method was performed as a point of comparison to understand the power of MN. Interestingly, only the MN approach facilitated the identification of unknown chemicals belonging to a novel oligomer series containing the azelaic acid monomer. The MN approach provided a faster visualization of chemical families in addition to the highlight of unrelated chemicals enabling to prioritize chemicals for further investigation improving the safety assessment of packaging materials. • Molecular Network approach promising to improve safety assessment of food packaging. • Molecular Network approach accelerates identification of chemicals such as oligomers. • Molecular Network visualization underscores nodes that may require further attention. • Unknown chemicals identified only via Molecular Network approach such as azealic oligomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Plastic food packaging leaches chemicals and toxicity into food simulants. • Probable transfer of toxic chemicals to food, including endocrine disruptors. • Similar toxicity in methanol extracts and water–ethanol food simulant. • LDPE, PUR and PVC migrates induce most receptor activity. • Between 8 and 10 631 chemical features migrate into food simulants. Plastics constitute a vast array of substances, with over 16 000 known plastic chemicals, including intentionally and non-intentionally added substances. Thousands of chemicals, including toxic ones, are extractable from plastics, however, the extent to which these compounds migrate from everyday products into food or water remains poorly understood. This study aims to characterize the endocrine and metabolism disrupting activity, as well as the chemical composition of migrates from plastic food contact articles (FCAs) from four countries as significant sources of human exposure. Fourteen plastic FCAs covering seven polymer types with high global market shares were migrated into water and a water–ethanol mixture as food simulants according to European regulations. The migrates were analyzed using reporter gene assays for nuclear receptors relevant to human health and non-target chemical analysis to characterize the chemical composition. Chemicals migrating from each FCA interfered with at least two nuclear receptors, predominantly targeting pregnane X receptor (24/28 migrates). Moreover, peroxisome proliferator receptor gamma was activated by 19 out of 28 migrates, though mostly with lower potencies. Estrogenic and antiandrogenic activity was detected in eight and seven migrates, respectively. Fewer chemicals and less toxicity migrated into water compared to the water–ethanol mixture. However, 73 % of the 15 430 extractable chemical features also transferred into food simulants, and the water–ethanol migrates exhibited a similar toxicity prevalence compared to methanol extracts. The chemical complexity differed largely between FCAs, with 8 to 10 631 chemical features migrating into food simulants. Using stepwise partial least squares regressions, we successfully narrowed down the list of potential active chemicals, identified known endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as triphenyl phosphate, and prioritized chemical features for further identification. This study demonstrates the migration of endocrine and metabolism disrupting chemicals from plastic FCAs into food simulants, rendering a migration of these compounds into food and beverages probable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food contamination caused by microorganisms is a significant issue in the food field that not only affects the shelf life of food, but also threatens human health, causing huge economic losses. Considering that the materials in direct or indirect contact with food are important carriers and vectors of microorganisms, the development of antibacterial food contact materials is an important coping strategy. However, different antibacterial agents, manufacturing methods, and material characteristics have brought great challenges to the antibacterial effectiveness, durability, and component migration associated with the use security of materials. Therefore, this review focused on the most widely used metal-type food contact materials and comprehensively presents the research progress regarding antibacterial food contact materials, hoping to provide references for exploring novel antibacterial food contact materials.

The globalization of the market, as well as the increasing world population, which require a higher demand for food products, pose a great challenge to ensure food safety and prevent food loss and waste. In this sense, active materials with antibacterial properties are an important alternative in the prolongation of shelf life and ensuring food safety. In this work, the ability of copper(II) hydroxy nitrate (CuHS) to obtain antibacterial films based on low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polylactic acid (PLA), was evaluated. The thermal properties of the composites, evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), showed that the concentrations of added CuHS do not particularly change these characteristics with respect to the neat polymer matrix films. The mechanical properties, determined using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMTA), indicate a small increase in the brittleness of the material in PLA-based composites. The antibacterial properties against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica were evaluated using a surface contact test, and a bacterial reduction of at least 8 to 9 logarithmic units for the composites with 0.3% CuHS, both in LDPE and PLA and against both bacteria, were achieved. The reusability of the composite films after their first use demonstrated a higher stability against Listeria monocytogenes. The migration and cytotoxicity of the composites loaded with 0.3% CuHS was evaluated, demonstrating the safety of these materials, which reinforces their potential use in food packaging applications.

According to European regulations, migration from food packaging must be safe. However, currently, there is no consensus on how to evaluate its safety, especially for non-intentionally added substances (NIAS). The intensive and laborious approach, involving identification and then quantification of all migrating substances followed by a toxicological evaluation, is not practical or feasible. In alignment with the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) and the European Union (EU) guidelines on packaging materials, efforts are focused on combining data from analytics, bioassays and in silico toxicology approaches for the risk assessment of packaging materials. Advancement of non-targeted screening approaches using both analytical methods and in vitro bioassays is key. A protocol was developed for the chemical and biological screening of migrants from coated metal packaging materials. This protocol includes guidance on sample preparation, migrant simulation, chemical analysis using liquid chromatography (LC-MS) and validated bioassays covering endocrine activity, genotoxicity and metabolism-related targets. An inter-laboratory study was set-up to evaluate the consistency in biological activity and analytical results generated between three independent laboratories applying the developed protocol and guidance. Coated packaging metal panels were used in this case study. In general, the inter-laboratory chemical analysis and bioassay results displayed acceptable consistency between laboratories, but technical differences led to different data interpretations (e.g., cytotoxicity, cell passages, chemical analysis). The study observations with the greatest impact on the quality of the data and ultimately resulting in discrepancies in the results are given and suggestions for improvement of the protocol are made (e.g., sample preparation, chemical analysis approaches). Finally, there was agreement on the need for an aligned protocol to be utilized by qualified laboratories for chemical and biological analyses, following best practices and guidance for packaging safety assessment of intentionally added substances (IAS) and NIAS to avoid inconsistency in data and the final interpretation.

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Biopolymers based on polylactic acid (PLA) and starch have numerous advantages, such as coming from renewable sources or being compostable, though they can have deficiencies in mechanical properties, and for this reason, polyester resins are occasionally added to them in order to improve their properties. In this work, migration from a PLA sample and from another starch-based biopolymer to three different food simulants was studied. Attention was focused on the determination of oligomers. The analysis was first performed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF–MS), which allowed the identification of the oligomers present in migration. Then, the samples were analyzed by two ambient desorption/ionization techniques directly coupled to mass spectrometry (ADI), direct analysis in real-time coupled to standardized voltage and pressure (DART-MS) and atmospheric pressure solids analysis probe (ASAP-MS). These methodologies were able to detect simultaneously the main oligomers migrants and their adducts in a very rapid and effective way. Nineteen different polyester oligomers, fourteen linear and five cyclic, composed of different combinations of adipic acid [AA], propylene glycol [PG], dipropylene glycol [DPG], 2,2-dibutyl-1,3-propanediol [DBPG], or isobutanol [i-BuOH] were detected in migration samples from PLA. In migration samples from starch-based biopolymer, fourteen oligomers from poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate) polyester (PBAT) were identified, twelve cyclic and two linear. The results from ADI techniques showed that they are a very promising alternative tool to assess the safety and legal compliance of food packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To support export business of food contact materials from China to Thailand through research of food contact materials regulatory system in Thailand. Methods Study the regulation pattern and requirements of food contact materials regulation in Thailand through collection of the websites and inquiry of the laws, regulations and notifications of food contact materials in Thailand. Results In food contact materials regulatory system in Thailand, 'Food Act’ established general principles for food contact materials, while laws of specific food contact materials (ceramics product and enamel product, plastics, feeding bottle and milk containers for infants and young children) set basic and specific requirements, indicators and limits for food contact materials. The major agency on control of food contact materials are Thailand Food and Drug Administration, Thailand Industrial Standards Institute, Office of the Consumer Protection Board, Ministry of Commerce and Department of Science Service. Conclusion In comparison of food contact materials regulation in China, regulation on specific food contact materials in Thailand is not comprehensive. Besides, the requirements for information transmission and labeling is not included in such regulation in Thailand. However, for feeding bottles and milk containers for infants and young children, more concrete requirements are specified by regulation in Thailand, which raises more rigorous challenge for such product exported from China to Thailand.

Objective To evaluate the effect of friction behavior on migration levels of metal elements from stainless-steel articles for food contact. Methods The migration levels of metal elements from used and new stainless-steel articles were compared according to GB 4806.9-2016 and Council of Europe Resolution CM/Res (2013) 9. The migration conditions were boiling in 4% acetic acid for 30 min followed by at room temperature for 24 h and soaking in 5 g/L citric acid at 100 ℃ for 2 h, respectively. Meanwhile, the impact of dynamic friction on migration were investigated on new stainless-steel articles, where the friction method were referred to the GB/T 32095.2-2015 standard. Migration of metal elements complied with the corresponding standard. Results Based on the European standard, migration of lead in the first migration test was above limit of quantitation (LOQ) in all five used stainless-steel articles after friction, but none in new ones. The quantification rate of chromium in the first migration test in 80% (4/5) of used stainless-steel articles were above LOQ after friction by GB 4806.9-2016 standard while were 20% (1/5) in new ones. The migration level of Cr was higher by GB 4806.9-2016 standard than by European resolution in single dynamic friction study. Results from the dynamic friction experiments indicated that the migration of Cr and Ni reached equilibrium after 3 times of friction. Conclusion The migration condition in GB 4806.9-2016 standard had stronger leaching ability for Cr from stainless-steel articles than that in European resolution. Friction behavior promoted corrosion and metal element migration of stainless steel. Long-term used stainless-steel products had higher lead and chromium migration than new products, but without safety risks.

Abstract Food packaging is of high societal value because it conserves and protects food, makes food transportable and conveys information to consumers. It is also relevant for marketing, which is of economic significance. Other types of food contact articles, such as storage containers, processing equipment and filling lines, are also important for food production and food supply. Food contact articles are made up of one or multiple different food contact materials and consist of food contact chemicals. However, food contact chemicals transfer from all types of food contact materials and articles into food and, consequently, are taken up by humans. Here we highlight topics of concern based on scientific findings showing that food contact materials and articles are a relevant exposure pathway for known hazardous substances as well as for a plethora of toxicologically uncharacterized chemicals, both intentionally and non-intentionally added. We describe areas of certainty, like the fact that chemicals migrate from food contact articles into food, and uncertainty, for example unidentified chemicals migrating into food. Current safety assessment of food contact chemicals is ineffective at protecting human health. In addition, society is striving for waste reduction with a focus on food packaging. As a result, solutions are being developed toward reuse, recycling or alternative (non-plastic) materials. However, the critical aspect of chemical safety is often ignored. Developing solutions for improving the safety of food contact chemicals and for tackling the circular economy must include current scientific knowledge. This cannot be done in isolation but must include all relevant experts and stakeholders. Therefore, we provide an overview of areas of concern and related activities that will improve the safety of food contact articles and support a circular economy. Our aim is to initiate a broader discussion involving scientists with relevant expertise but not currently working on food contact materials, and decision makers and influencers addressing single-use food packaging due to environmental concerns. Ultimately, we aim to support science-based decision making in the interest of improving public health. Notably, reducing exposure to hazardous food contact chemicals contributes to the prevention of associated chronic diseases in the human population.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used food contact materials due to its excellent mechanical properties and recyclability. Migration of substances from PET and assessment of compliance are usually determined by experimental testing, which can be challenging depending on the migrants of interest. Low concentrations and missing reference standards, among other factors, have led to inadequate investigation of the migration potential of PET oligomers. Migration modeling can overcome such limitations and is therefore a suitable starting point for exposure and risk assessment. In this study, the activation energy-based (EA) model and the AP model were used to systematically evaluate the migration potential of 52 PET oligomers for 12 different application scenarios. Modeling parameters and conditions were evaluated to investigate their impact and relevance on the assessment of realistic exposures. Obtained results were compared with safety thresholds known from the concept of toxicological thresholds of concern. This allowed the evaluation and identification of oligomers and/or applications where migration or exposure levels may be associated with a potential risk because they exceed these safety thresholds. Overall, this study demonstrated that migration modeling can be a high-throughput, fast, flexible, and suitable approach for comprehensive exposure assessment.

The globalization of the market and the increase of the global population that requires a higher demand of food products superimposes a big challenge to ensure food safety. In this sense, a common strategy to extend the shelf life and save life of food products is by avoiding bacterial contamination. For this, the development of antibacterial contact surfaces is an urgent need to fulfil the above-mentioned strategy. In this work, the role of MXene (Ti3C2Tx) in providing antibacterial contact surfaces was studied through the creation of composite films from polylactic acid (PLA), as the chosen polymeric matrix. The developed PLA/MXene films maintained the thermal and mechanical properties of PLA and also presented the attractive antibacterial properties of MXene. The composites’ behaviour against two representative foodborne bacteria was studied: Listeria mono-cytogenes and Salmonella enterica (representing Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively). The composites prevented bacterial growth, and in the case of Listeria only 0.5 wt.% of MXene was necessary to reach 99.9999% bactericidal activity (six log reductions), while against Salmonella, 5 wt.% was necessary to achieve 99.999% bactericidal activity (five log reductions). Cy-totoxicity tests with fHDF/TER166 cell line showed that none of the obtained materials were cytotoxic. These results make MXene particles promising candidates for their use as additives into a polymeric matrix, useful to fabricate antibacterial contact surfaces that could prove useful for the food packaging industry.

Banana (Musa sp.) leaf is widely used as a food contact material (FCM) in the Philippine foodservice industry. In spite of its usage in serving and wrapping various raw and cooked foods, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) general guidelines on FCMs exempted its application to banana leaf (BL) and other natural materials that have not undergone chemical modification. This study documented the knowledge and practices in the utilization of BL in foodservice establishments within the top five local government units (LGUs) in Metropolitan Manila, Philippines. Key informant interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire and participant observation were employed in data collection. Data were analyzed using the constant comparison method. Results showed that despite technological and scientific advancement, the BL has remained a functional FCM in the foodservice industry due to its perceived ethnic, sensory, and environmental impacts. The BL specifications -- including leaf maturity, dimensions, integrity, cleanliness, and varietal source -- are related to its functionalities as FCM. Generally, preparation methods employed by foodservice establishments include wiping, washing, and heating. These methods of preparation were found to be significantly associated with types of food products. The efficacy of these preparation methods needs to be evaluated due to possible leaf contamination and deterioration due to improper handling and storage prior to usage. Furthermore, the foodservice industry identified BL supply, price, and quality issues that should be properly addressed. As an FCM, BL influences final food product quality and safety. Thus, the utilization of BL by other actors within the foodservice supply chain should be further studied to provide baseline information for the establishment of Philippine standards for BL as an FCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The safety evaluation of food contact materials requires excluding mutagenicity and genotoxicity in migrates. Testing the migrates using in vitro bioassays has been proposed to address this challenge. To be fit for that purpose, bioassays must be capable of detecting very low, safety relevant concentrations of DNA-damaging substances. There is currently no bioassay compatible with such qualifications. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), coupled with the planar SOS Umu-C (p-Umu-C) bioassay, was suggested as a promising rapid test (~6 h) to detect the presence of low levels of mutagens/genotoxins in complex mixtures. The current study aimed at incorporating metabolic activation in this assay and testing it with a set of standard mutagens (4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide, aflatoxin B1, mitomycin C, benzo(a)pyrene, N-ethyl nitrourea, 2-nitrofluorene, 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene, 2-aminoanthracene and methyl methanesulfonate). An effective bioactivation protocol was developed. All tested mutagens could be detected at low concentrations (0.016 to 230 ng/band, according to substances). The calculated limits of biological detection were found to be up to 1400-fold lower than those obtained with the Ames assay. These limits are lower than the values calculated to ensure a negligeable carcinogenic risk of 10−5. They are all compatible with the threshold of toxicological concern for chemicals with alerts for mutagenicity (150 ng/person). They cannot be achieved by any other currently available test procedures. The p-Umu-C bioassay may become instrumental in the genotoxicity testing of complex mixtures such as food packaging, foods, and environmental samples.

Food contact materials (FCMs) are used to make food contact articles (FCAs) that come into contact with food and beverages during, e.g., processing, storing, packaging, or consumption. FCMs/FCAs can cause chemical contamination of food when migration of their chemical constituents (known as food contact chemicals, FCCs) occurs. Some FCCs are known to be hazardous. However, the total extent of exposure to FCCs, as well as their health and environmental effects, remain unknown, because information on chemical structures, use patterns, migration potential, and health effects of FCCs is often absent or scattered across multiple sources. Therefore, we initiated a research project to systematically collect, analyze, and publicly share information on FCCs. As a first step, we compiled a database of intentionally added food contact chemicals (FCCdb), presented here. The FCCdb lists 12′285 substances that could possibly be used worldwide to make FCMs/FCAs, identified based on 67 FCC lists from publicly available sources, such as regulatory lists and industry inventories. We further explored FCCdb chemicals’ hazards using several authoritative sources of hazard information, including (i) classifications for health and environmental hazards under the globally harmonized system for classification and labeling of chemicals (GHS), (ii) the identification of chemicals of concern due to endocrine disruption or persistence related hazards, and (iii) the inclusion on selected EU- or US-relevant regulatory lists of hazardous chemicals. This analysis prioritized 608 hazardous FCCs for further assessment and substitution in FCMs/FCAs. Evaluation based on non-authoritative, predictive hazard data (e.g., by in silico modeling or literature analysis) highlighted an additional 1411 FCCdb substances that could thus present similar levels of concern, but have not been officially classified so far. Lastly, for over a quarter of all FCCdb chemicals no hazard information could be found in the sources consulted, revealing a significant data gap and research need.

The chloropropanols, monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP) are potential contaminants that may be found in food contact materials (FCM) from paper and paperboard that have been treated with certain wet-strength resins. They can migrate from the paper matrix to aqueous food and beverages and, due to their potentially carcinogenic properties, are of increasing interest in quality assurance or official controls of paper-based FCM. We hereby describe an improved method for the analysis of 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP in water extracts of FCM making use of 1-chloro-3-methoxy-2-propanol (CMP) as a novel internal standard. The LOD and LOQ were determined to be 0.4 µg/L and 1.2 µg/L for both analytes, making the method appropriate for the quantification of 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP below the current legal limits. The method was applied to an extensive market survey of food contact articles made from paper and paperboard including 674 samples. The survey revealed that a high percentage of the products available on the market (e.g., up to 55% of the analysed drinking straws) exceed the BfR limits with values of up to 327 µg/L 3-MCPD and 20 µg/L 1,3-DCP detected in the cold water extract. Remarkable differences were observed concerning the release of 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP from different kinds of paper-based FCM products, with drinking straws, cupcake cases, bagasse bowls and kitchen rolls showing particularly high rates (>10%) of non-conformity with the legal limits. A number of samples with especially high concentrations were additionally analysed by hot water extraction, which surprisingly yielded considerably lower results for the release of 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP than cold water extraction. The results indicate that cold water extraction is the most sensitive method to detect the migration and control the risk of exposure to 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)