GB 19778: Glass packaging containers - Release of lead cadmium arsenic and antimony

GB 19778: Glass packaging containers - Release of lead cadmium, arsenic and antimony

What is GB 19778 Standard?

GB 19778 is a Chinese standard that controls the release of toxic elements such as lead, cadmium, arsenic and antimony into food in glass packaging containers. This regulation is applied to ensure the suitability of glass containers in terms of food safety.

Scope of the Standard

1. Application Area:
• Glass bottles, jars and other glass packaging containers used in the food and beverage industry.
• Applies to both colorless and colored glass.
2. Controlled Substances:
• Lead (Pb): Heavy metal hazardous to human health, especially with known neurological effects.
• Cadmium (Cd): A toxic element that can cause kidney damage and cancer.
• Arsenic (As): Genotoxic and carcinogenic.
• Antimony (Sb): Carries a risk of toxicity at high concentrations.
3. Chemical Release Limits: The release limits set by the standard are strictly defined to ensure the safety of glass containers.

Test Methods

1. Release Tests: Glass containers are exposed to acidic simulation liquids for certain periods of time. Heavy metal concentrations in the simulation liquids are analyzed.
2. Analysis Techniques:
• ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry): Detection of heavy metals at low levels.
• AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry): Precise lead and cadmium analysis.
3. Sampling: Tests are carried out on randomly selected samples from production batches.

Importance of Compliance with GB 19778

1. Consumer Health Protection: Safeguards consumer health by preventing the contamination of food with toxic substances.
2. International Trade Compliance: A basic requirement for manufacturers aiming to offer products to the Chinese market.
3. Brand Trust and Reputation: Safe and compliant glass containers increase consumer confidence.

Glass packaging and various containers made of glass are used for packaging and storage of many products such as food, medicine, alcohol, beverages, drinking water. For the export of glass packaging materials to China or for sale in China, compliance with the GB 19778 standard is required by the relevant institutions.

GB 19778: Glass packaging containers - Release of lead cadmium arsenic and antimony - Permissible limits

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Glass Packaging Analysis. We also provide services on PFAS Analysis in Packaging.

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