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Schematic illustration of chemical migration from plastic food packaging into food Small molecules that are present in the plastic packaging item (red dots) can transfer out of the plastic into the food. The same is true for small molecules present in the food (yellow dot), a process known as flavor scalping. Also, environmental contaminants (blue dots) can be absorbed in the plastic packaging and subsequently be released again, making this an issue for plastics recycling. Chemical migration, flavor scalping, and absorption depend on temperature, time, and the chemical properties of the packaging, the food and the chemicals that are transferring from one medium to another. Created with BioRender.com.
Source publication
The widespread use of plastic packaging for storing, transporting, and conveniently preparing or serving foodstuffs is significantly contributing to the global plastic pollution crisis. This has led to many efforts directed toward amending plastic packaging’s end of life, such as recycling, or alternative material approaches, like increasingly usin...
Citations
... Deep eutectic solvents have been utilized to extract biopolymers, including polysaccharides ( Figure 24) cellulose (152), hemicelluloses (153), starch (154), carrageenans such as 155, chitin (156), xylans such as 157 and pectins (158) [101,102]. Polysaccharides constitute one of the most abundant fractions of biomass originating from natural lignocellulosic material as well as from food waste [103]. ...
... Thus, Zhu and coworkers [151] developed a new method to isolate antioxidants that had migrated from food packaging materials into food products. Measuring migrated antioxidants from food packaging materials is of significance as high migration levels into food can pose health problems, and in extreme cases can contribute to cancer, the disruption of the endocrine system, and to the damage of the immune system [152,153]. There are regulations for the limit of antioxidant migration from food contact materials into food, known as the specific migration limits (SML) of antioxidants. ...
Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) are a new class of solvent systems with applications in the food industry. Due to their reduced toxicity and their enhanced biodegradability over traditional fossil-fuel based solvents, NADESs are seen as environmentally friendly, “green” solvents. The review covers their use in the extraction of nutritionally valuable molecules, including biopolymers from plants and from agricultural and food wastes. NADESs are used in the preservation of fruits and vegetables, in active packaging or direct produce coating. They also play a role in flavor and food enhancement applications and can be used in food analysis. Current limitations as to recovery methods of the target compounds from the extracts, the scale-up of operations, costs and regulations are discussed in the review. Some of the start-up companies are introduced that develop DES/NADES solvents for the market, thereby accelerating the shift from petroleum-based solvents to green solvents.
... Chemicals in packaging can include ingredients, which are intentionally added to packaging and appropriately regulated [1]. Chemicals that are inadvertently added to packaging may also be present, for example, due to impurities of ingredients, reaction by-products, or other contamination [2]. Such non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) almost certainly occur as complex mixtures including unknown chemicals. ...
Many chemicals in food packaging can leach as complex mixtures to food, potentially including substances hazardous to consumer health. Detecting and identifying all of the leachable chemicals are impractical with current analytical instrumentation and data processing methods. Therefore, our work aims to expand the analytical toolset for prioritizing and identifying chemical hazards in food packaging. We used a high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)-based bioassay to detect genotoxic fractions in paperboard packaging. These fractions were then processed with non-targeted liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS) and machine learning-based toxicity prediction (MLinvitroTox). The HPTLC bioassay detected four genotoxic zones in extracts of the paperboard. One-dimensional HPTLC separation and targeted fraction collection reduced the number of chemical features extracted from paperboard and detected with LC-HRMS by at least 98% (from 1695–2693 to 14–50). The entire process was successful for spiked genotoxic chemicals, which were correctly prioritized in the fractionation and non-target analysis workflow. The native chemical with the strongest genotoxicity signal was identified with a suspect list as 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and confirmed with LC-HRMS/MS and HPTLC bioassay. Toward identification of the remaining unknown genotoxicants, two-dimensional HPTLC further reduced the number of chemical features. Genotoxicity predictions with MLinvitroTox based on molecular fingerprints of the unknown signals derived from their MS2 fragmentation spectra helped prioritize two chemical features and suggested candidate structures. This work demonstrates strategies for using HPTLC, HRMS, and toxicity prediction to help identify toxicants in food packaging.
Graphical Abstract
... Better testing would also use class-based approaches, like those that are required of the FDA but that have not been implemented ; with this approach, data from a few chemicals can be used to regulate others in the same class before they reach the market. As there is increasing evidence that chemicals in the food supply and in consumer products cause harm (Maffini and Vandenberg, 2017;Groh et al., 2019;Muncke, 2021), there needs to be evidence-based periodic post-market reevaluations and updated risk management decisions to remove the bad actors without introducing regrettable replacements (Woodruff et al., 2023). ...
... The widespread use of plastic packaging, which is indispensable for the proper preparation, storage, transport, or service of foodstuffs, contributes significantly to the global plastic load. It has been reported that there are at least 148 substances with hazardous properties for human and/or environmental health in chemicals associated with plastic packaging (for food and non-food uses) (Groh et al. 2019;Muncke 2021). Packaging used to protect food can become a source of chemical contamination of the food, and chemicals in plastic may pass into the food. ...
... In addition, most of the 4283 chemicals identified as (possibly) used in the manufacture of plastic packaging lack toxicological data (Muncke 2021). This means that there may be additional hazardous chemicals transported from plastic packaging whose toxicity characteristics have not yet been determined. ...
... Increasing public awareness has led to systems defined as the "Hitting the Mole" approach, which only solves the problem to create another problem, which is not a sustainable way forward. Approaches only changing the direction of the problem and changing the chemicals known to be dangerous with another chemical whose danger has not Responsible Editor: Ester Heath been defined have been adopted (Muncke 2021;Alak et al. 2024). Although packaging is important in preserving food and extending its shelf life, some packaging components may transfer chemical compounds to food. ...
Phthalates or phthalate esters (PAEs) have become a serious concern due to their toxicity and risks of migration from contact materials to food matrices and the environment. The aim of this study is to monitor the possible migration potential of PAEs in pelagic fish stored in vacuum packaging depending on the storage time and to determine the polyethylene polymers. In order to achieve this goal, sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and anchovy fish (Engraulis encrasicolus) were randomly packaged in vacuum bags and then stored for 90 days. Phthalate content was determined by GC/MS technique in the muscle tissue of each fish species at certain periods (0, 30, and 90 days) of storage, and on the first day in the packaging material and fish meat. As a result of the analysis performed in µ-Raman spectroscopy, no microplastics were detected in both fish species’ meats. FTIR spectroscopy results of the packaging material determined nylon in the chemical content of the packaging material before processing. It has been determined that the chemical composition of the packaging used in the vacuum packaging process is affected by the temperature, depending on the storage period, and different polymer types are formed in the processed package material. It was determined that the dominant PAE homologues were Di-n-pentyl phthalate (DPENP) in both fish meat and Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) in the package. However, during storage, Dibutylphthalate (DBP) became dominant in anchovies and DPENP became dominant in sea bass, differing according to fish species and storage time.
... Some forms of plastic packaging release compounds that are hazardous to health when stored over time. 4 About 95% of plastic packaging is single use but only about 5% is recycled. 5 Within recent times, there has been a paradigm shi to safer, plant derived, biodegradable alternatives and research is exponentially growing. ...
A major concern in the food industry is the use of non-renewable, petroleum-based materials and its detrimental impact on the environment. Consequently, there has been a growing interest in the use of biopolymers in food packaging and other applications due to their renewable origin and biodegradable properties, which have a positive environmental benefit. Hemicelluloses are biodegradable heteropolymers, which are associated with lignocellulose cell walls of vegetative and storage tissues of annual and perennial plants. They represent an immense renewable resource of biopolymers. Hemicelluloses are the second most abundant component of lignocellulosic biomass, and they are comparatively underutilized in industrial applications, even though it is a main by-product or residue in the lignocellulosic biomass processing. Therefore, it is important to include hemicellulose valorisation through the biorefinery concept to promote a Sustainable Bioeconomy (SBE), Circular Bioeconomy (CBE), and Circular Economy (CE). Extraction procedures on different plants have enabled the isolation of a diversity of hemicellulose structures with different yields and purities. However, compared to other biopolymers, their commercial uses have been underscored by their low yields, hydrophilicity, and low mechanical strength. While the applications of pure hemicelluloses are limited in the food industry, the use of hemicellulose composites as edible films, coatings, preservatives, fillers, and emulsifiers, is more promising. This review summarizes the current applications of plant hemicellulose biopolymers in the food industry and future perspectives in the advanced bioeconomy and value chain of chemicals and materials as well as ways of mitigating the challenges associated with their use.
... For example, UNEP (2018, Table 17) reported that a fraction of 1 % of the total produced PVC volume is released as microplastics to the environment. In addition, plastics are not inert and can release smaller particles into food, posing a potential risk of human exposure to synthetic particles (Muncke, 2021;WHO, 2022). ...
... Além disso, centenas de produtos químicos tóxicos foram encontrados em plásticos reciclados, incluindo pesticidas e produtos farmacêuticos. O risco para a saúde humana ocorre quando essas substâncias químicas migram das embalagens plásticas (incluindo as recicladas) para os alimentos ou bebidas, especialmente durante o aquecimento, contato prolongado ou uso repetido da embalagem (Muncke, 2021). A reciclagem pode contribuir para a solução da crise de poluição por plásticos, mas a indústria de plásticos deve restringir os produtos químicos potencialmente perigosos. ...
Destacamos, através desse capítulo, os esforços da comunidade internacional para combater a poluição plástica, que se enseja na resolução histórica da Assembleia das Nações Unidas para o Meio Ambiente (UNEA) de elaborar um documento internacional sobre o tema até 2024. Face aos alarmantes sobre a quantidade de resíduos plásticos (RP) descartados nos oceanos, chegando a até 12,7 milhões de toneladas, esse capítulo apresenta diversas informações sobre essa poluição. Nele, a origem e os tipos de microplásticos (MPs) são detalhadamente explicadas, sendo tudo colocado no contexto da importância e ampla utilização deles pela sociedade. O destino dos residúos plásticos, que o aumento da produção, uso e má gestão de resíduos plásticos, fazem-nos se acumularem em locais inadequados e são transportados pelo vento, chuva, enchentes e marés para os corpos d'água, é apresentado em detalhes. Sendo um dos destinos o ambiente marinho, o capítulo apresenta a abrangência, complexidade e impactos nesse ambiente. Finalmente, destaca-se a importância da educação e da educomunicação para promover valores, hábitos e atitudes que contribuam para a redução da dependência do uso de produtos plásticos, a eliminação de plásticos desnecessários e a implementação da economia circular. Essa abordagem multidimensional é fundamental para enfrentar de forma abrangente o desafio da poluição plástica.
... However, this transfer may also occur by evaporation and mostly originating from the outer surface of the package during packaging compositions, stacking and storage of the package, and then pass into the food via the gas phase. In addition, these components and fibers may pass into food with recycled packaging materials 35 and thus become part of the human diet unknowingly 36 . The use of packages / containers made of polymer types [polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)] in the food industry is a significant threat to the MP migrations. ...
In recent years, the presence and migration of PAEs in packaging materials and consumer products has become a serious concern. Based on this concern, the aim of our study is to determine the possible migration potential and speed of PAEs in benthic fish stored in vacuum packaging, as well as to monitor the storage time and type as well as polyethylene (PE) polymer detection.As a result of the analysis performed by µ-Raman spectroscopy, 1 microplastic (MP) of 6 µm in size was determined on the 30th day of storage in whiting fish muscle and the polymer type was found to be Polyethylene (PE) (low density polyethylene: LDPE). Depending on the storage time of the packaging used in the vacuum packaging process, it has been determined that its chemical composition is affected by temperature and different types of polymers are formed. 10 types of PAEs were identified in the packaging material and stored flesh fish: DIBP, DBP, DPENP, DHEXP, BBP, DEHP, DCHP, DNOP, DINP and DDP. While the most dominant PAEs in the packaging material were determined as DEHP, the most dominant PAEs in fish meat were recorded as BBP and the lowest as DMP. The findings provide a motivating model for monitoring the presence and migration of PAEs in foods, while filling an important gap in maintaining a safe food chain.
... These are referred to as CMR chemicals (Box 3). 13 Many of them are hardly studied, are not adequately regulated in many parts of the world, and some are even authorised for use in food-packaging plastics in some jurisdictions. 14 CMR chemicals can be released during production and use of plastics, which poses risks to human health, the environment, and recycling systems. ...
... European Union (EU) regulations establish that materials in contact with food must not transfer their constituents in amounts that may endanger human health or cause an unacceptable change in food composition or organoleptic characteristics (Karamfilova, 2016). In plastic packaging, migration is more accentuated as many different substances are likely to migrate to food (Muncke, 2021). Some studies have evaluated the transfer of different migrants of interest from packaging to food. ...
This study validated an analytical technique using headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection to quantify acrylonitrile monomer with a quantification limit of 0.10 ± 0.04 µg kg⁻¹. Subsequently, the acrylonitrile migration from polypropylene granules was evaluated in food simulants water and ethanol (50% v/v) and at two temperatures (20 ± 1°C and 44 ± 2°C) for up to 6 weeks, representing the service time of a bottle. From the experimental data obtained, pseudo‐second‐order kinetics were adjusted to represent the acrylonitrile migration into the simulants. For water, equilibrium concentrations of 13.58 and 16.58 µg kg⁻¹ at 20 and 44°C, respectively, were obtained, while for 50% ethanol, 15.07 and 16.40 µg kg⁻¹ were obtained for the same temperatures. The experimental results and the values estimated from the migration kinetics indicate that the maximum acrylonitrile concentration will not exceed the tolerable specific limit established in regulations.
Practical Application
The migration of compounds such as acrylonitrile can be a drawback resulting in an undesirable reduction in the shelf life of liquid foods packaged in bottles made of materials such as polypropylene. In this paper, acrylonitrile migration kinetics and a methodology are proposed to determine whether the tolerable migration limits are ever reached, which can serve as a tool for producers of this type of packaging of food to predict shelf life.
