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Detection and Identification of Oestrogen‐Active Substances in Plastic Food Packaging Migrates
Author(s) -
Kirchnawy Christian,
Mertl Johannes,
Osorio Veronica,
Hausensteiner Helge,
Washüttl Michael,
Bergmair Johannes,
Pyerin Michael,
Tacker Manfred
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
packaging technology and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.365
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1099-1522
pISSN - 0894-3214
DOI - 10.1002/pts.2047
Subject(s) - dibutyl phthalate , food packaging , butylated hydroxytoluene , chromatography , polypropylene , chemistry , polyethylene , polyethylene terephthalate , diethyl phthalate , food contact materials , phthalate , solid phase extraction , mass spectrometry , food science , organic chemistry , materials science , antioxidant , composite material
Migrates from plastic food packaging were tested for oestrogen activity by yeast oestrogen screen and subsequently analysed by gas chromatography—mass spectrometry and high‐performance liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry to identify oestrogen‐active chemicals. Plastic samples were migrated according to EC 10/2011 with worst case scenarios being used. Food simulants consisted of either 10–95% ethanol or ultrapure water. Migrates were concentrated afterwards by solid phase extraction. Food contact material tested included polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene and composite films. Oestrogenic activity ranging from 0.7 to 59 ng/l 17ß‐estradiol equivalents was detected in seven out of 42 samples tested. The highest activity was found in a composite film sample. All 11 polyethylene terephthalate samples tested negative for oestrogen activity. A number of chemicals with known or supposed oestrogen activity were identified in migrates of oestrogen‐active samples. These include butylated hydroxytoluene, 1,3‐diphenylpropane, 1,2‐diphenylcyclobutane and dibutyl phthalate. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.