Determination of Primary Aromatic Amine (PAA) in Packaging: Safety Analysis

Why is Primary Aromatic Amine (PAA) Determination in Packaging?

Materials used in food packaging can pose a risk of chemical compounds migrating into food when they come into contact with food. One of these components, Primary Aromatic Amines (PAAs), can be found especially in plastic packaging and printing inks. PAAs are among the ingredients that should be carefully analyzed in food safety tests as they carry various health risks.

What is a Primary Aromatic Amine (PAA)?

Primary Aromatic Amines (PAAs) are compounds containing amine groups with an aromatic structure, some of which can have toxic or carcinogenic effects. PAAs are often found in the structure of plastic packaging, paper/cardboard-based materials and paints used in packaging . Since these components can be harmful to health if they pass directly into food, safety analysis of packaging should be carried out.

PAAs can be found in the following components used in packaging production:

• Polyamide Plastics: Monomers in the PAA structure are used in the production of such plastics.
• Printing Inks: Inks used in text and graphics on packaging may contain PAA.
• Adhesives: Adhesives used for laminating or bonding packaging materials may contain PAA.

Primary Aromatic Amines (PAA) are potentially carcinogenic substances that can be transferred to food through food contact packaging. The formation of Primary Aromatic Amines (PAA) can be seen in multilayer packaging materials consisting of aromatic polyurethane (PU) adhesives, especially packaging used for heat-treated foods.

Primary Aromatic Amines (PAA) are a known human carcinogen. Therefore, long-term human consumption of PAA through food can cause many health problems. For this reason, one of the specific migration tests performed on packaging is “Primary Aromatic Amine Determination”. Determination of Primary Aromatic Amine (PAA) is one of the test parameters performed in the accredited and authorized Nanolab Packaging Analysis Laboratory.

Why is PAA Determination Performed?

PAA determination in packaging is carried out to control the passage of harmful components into food and to protect consumer health. This analysis is also important for quality control and legal compliance. The main purposes of PAA analysis are as follows:

• Preventing Health Risks: The passage of PAAs into food should be minimized due to their carcinogenic effects.
• Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with food safety regulations is ensured and production is carried out in accordance with the legislation.
• Ensuring Consumer Safety and Satisfaction: Healthy packaging materials protect the reputation of brands and build consumer trust.

Controlling Food Transition

Keeping PAA levels below acceptable limits in food contact packaging is critical to ensure food safety. Migration limits in food contact materials are strictly regulated, particularly in the European Union and Turkey. TheEU 10/2011 regulation sets the limits of PAA migration into food and requires food packaging manufacturers to comply with these limits.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Primary Aromatic Amine (PAA) Determination in Packaging. We also provide services in Plastic Packaging Analysis.

Contact us for more information.

You can follow us on LinkedIn for up-to-date news and posts about our services.

Follow our Instagram account to be informed about our latest blog posts.