How Safe is Food Packaging? | Migration Tests

Protect Your Health with Migration Tests!

Foods are stored in various packages to preserve their freshness and reach the consumer under hygienic conditions. However, plastic, cardboard, aluminum and other types of packaging cause health concerns due to the risk of chemicals they contain getting into food. So how safe is food packaging? Why are chemical migration tests important and how can you protect your health?

What is Migration?

Migration is the process by which chemical components in packaging materials come into contact with food and mix with its contents. This can happen over time or under certain temperature and environmental conditions. If the components of a package contain harmful chemicals, these substances can migrate into food and adversely affect human health.

Which Chemicals Pose a Risk?

The chemicals used in some packaging materials can be hazardous to human health. Here are the most common harmful chemicals:

BPA (Bisphenol A): Can be found in plastic packaging and can coatings. It can damage the hormone system.
Phthalates: Used in flexible plastics. May have disruptive effects on the endocrine system.
Heavy Metals: Can be found in some aluminum and paper-based packaging. May cause toxic effects in case of prolonged exposure.
Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons (MOAH and MOSH): Can migrate from paper and cardboard packaging into food. May have carcinogenic and toxic effects.

What are Migration Tests?

Migration tests are analyzes to measure the release of chemicals from packaging materials into food. These tests take into account factors such as temperature, time and food type.

How Does the Test Process Work?

Packaging Material is Determined: Different types such as plastic, cardboard, metal are examined.
Simulated Food Testing: Special solvents are used to measure the potential for chemicals in the packaging to pass into the food.
Temperature and Time Testing: Conditions such as baking, microwave or long-term storage are simulated.
Chemical Analysis: Substances that pass into food are analyzed in the laboratory and compared to safety limits.

Things to consider when choosing packaging:

Choose BPA-free packaging.
Use packaging with a certificate of suitability for food contact.
Choose glass or stainless steel storage containers instead of plastic.
Avoid single-use plastics and opt for sustainable and safe packaging.
Do not expose food packaging to extreme heat, avoid microwaving.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Packaging Analysis. You can also consult us on Migration Analysis.

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