Current research on food contact materials undertaken by the UK Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

John Gilbert, Laurence Castle, Sue M. Jickells, Matthew Sharman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Recent research funded by the UK Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) in the area of migration from food contact materials is reviewed and set within a framework of surveillance; evaluation of new technology; support of current regulations; and anticipation of future controls. Recent surveillance projects monitoring foods for migration of monomeric plasticizers (in particular di-(2-ethylhexyl)adipate), polymeric additives and mineral hydrocarbons are highlighted. Development of high temperature testing conditions for food contact materials has been carried out in support of regulations and proposals are made for the control of susceptors by analysis of release of volatiles. Migration of benzophenone from the printing ink of a paper board sleeve during microwave heating of a pre-cooked meal is described as a recent example of a migration situation that would not easily have been anticipated. Finally, the approach being adopted for investigating paper and board food contact materials for inorganic constituents, for volatile organic and for solvent-extractable organic components is outlined as an example of work being carried out in anticipation of future regulatory controls.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)231-240
Number of pages10
JournalFood Additives and Contaminants
Volume11
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1994

Keywords

  • Benzophenone
  • High temperature testing
  • Microwave heating
  • Migration
  • Mineral hydrocarbons
  • Paperboard packaging
  • Plasticizer
  • Polyisobutylene
  • Susceptors

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