Chromatographic Methods for Detection of Migrants from Packaging Polymers

The term “migration” refers to the diffusion of substances from a zone of higher concentration (the food-contact layer) to one of a lower concentration (usually the food surface). Diffusion of chemical substances from polymers is a very complex process, and is dependent on several parameters, such as concentration of substances in the packaging film and food, the nature of the food, temperature, and the time period over which duration of contact occurs. The likelihood of monomer and oligomer migration increases when a plastic is exposed to high temperatures during thermal processing or when food is stored for extended periods. Transfer of chemical compounds from plastics to food has raised concerns about the potentially adverse effects of food products on human health. Appropriate analytical methods are needed to determine migration from plastic packaging into food. Regulatory agencies have specified analytical methods for some migrant materials. A number of gas chromatography methods have been used for various plasticizers. The first step in analyzing the antioxidant migration is to determine the level of primary and secondary antioxidants in the plastic. High pressure liquid chromatography with a light-sensitive diode detector was used to analyze the antioxidants. Determination of styrene monomer in food and food simulators using common gas chromatography methods. For example, in one study, an HP-FFAP column for Styrene and a Rtx-5 column for oligomers were used. This study is a comprehensive review of chromatographic methods for the detection of polymer materials from migratory materials.