Migration of phthalates, alkylphenols, bisphenol A and di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate from food packaging

The migration of plastic components or additives from packaging to food can produce a risk for human health, in fact many of these plasticizers and additives are “Endocrine Distruptors”, such as phthalates (PAEs), alkylphenols (APs), 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane (bisphenol A or BPA) and di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA). The evaluation of some PAEs, some APs, BPA and DEHA levels in common food packaging (oil and natural tuna cans, marmalade cap, yogurt packaging, polystyrene dish, teat, bread bag, film, baby's bottle, aseptic plastic laminate paperboard carton and plastic wine top) was carried out by migration tests. Furthermore to evaluate the potential migration of plasticizers and additives from plastic wine tops, two extraction methods were used, one through incubation at 40 °C for 10 days and one by ultrasounds extraction. The simulants employed were distilled water, acetic acid at 3%, ethanol at 15% for wine top. The food simulant was extracted by solid phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed by GC–MS. Comparing these results with EU restrictions all samples showed contaminant migration lower than SML and OML established. Finally, about the comparison of two extraction methods, the extraction carried out for 10 days at 40 °C may be better than the other one in order to detect all compounds.

► PAEs, APs, BPA and DEHA levels were investigated in common packaging.
► These levels were considered in synthetic wine tops by two extraction methods.
► Migration tests were carried out as suggested by the Directive 85/572/CEE and 82/711/EC.
► All samples contained at least one contaminant but at levels lower than EU restriction.
► The extraction by extreme condition was better than other.