Determination Of Phthalates Content And Migration In Plastic Food Packaging

OBJECTIVES:To investigate the content and migration level of phthalates of food contact materials and the corresponding level of phthalates in food flavors.METHODS:With GC/MS analysis, the phthalate contents of 102 food packages, migration level from 29 plastic packages under different food simulant system and phthalate contents of 80 flavors were analyzed. ANOVA and NPAR statistic methods were applied to compare the differences among groups.RESULTS:In food contact materials,49.02% samples had one or more phthalates detected. DEHP and DBP were the most commonly used phthalates in China and were often applied individually. The phthalate contents correlate with product category well, e.g. to achieve good performance the sealing products contain highest phthalates up to 50675 mg/kg with statistical difference when comparing with other groups (ANOVA, p<0.05). The management of phthalates in food contact materials in China should be strengthened.In migration test, DEHP and DBP were also common positive chemicals to be detected. Plastic material plays an important role in phthalate migration. High frequency of detection of phthalates in Poly Ethylene (PE) and unknown plastic materials indicates high pollution level in these categories. Concerning the product category, plastic cling film is a source of phthalate migration in daily life. One plastic container contains DEHP up to 917.79 mg/kg. Highest positive rate of detection of phthalates is observed under 3% acetic acid stimulant..In the analysis of phthalates in food flavors, there is statistical difference (p<0.001) between flavors with oil group and flavor without oil group. DEHP and DBP are most frequently detected as well at high levels. Highest frequency of detection was found in orange flavors, while highest phthalate concentration was found in meet flavor up to DBP 33254 mg/kg.CONCLUSIONS:DEHP and DBP are common positive phthalates in the analysis. Phthalate in food packaging is an important source of food pollution. Phthalates were detected in migration test, but it will not constitute high risks to consumers due to low levels. Due attention should be paid to plastic packages with no indication of plastic materials. The phthalate in food flavors should be well controlled by routine monitor program and the improvement of flavor processing methods. Illegal addition of phthalates into food flavors will result in high risks to the consumers.