Specific Migration - Determination of Phthalate: Why is it done?

What is Phthalate? What are the Hazards?

What is Specific Migration and Phthalate Determination?

Specific migration is a test method used in food contact plastics and composite materials to determine the amount of migration of chemical components in these materials into food. Phthalates are plasticizers commonly used in such materials and pose an important issue in terms of food safety due to their potential adverse health effects.

Phthalates are commonly used to add flexibility to packaging materials. Phthalates cause cancer and health problems in the developmental and reproductive systems. For this reason, Phthalate Determination is carried out within the scope of Specific Migration Tests, especially in food contact packaging and kitchen utensils.

Phthalate may migrate from plastic kitchen utensils such as packaging, disposable plates, spoons, forks and storage containers that come into contact with food for a long time. Long-term phthalate entry into the body causes major health problems. Phthalate, which is generally preferred to provide flexibility in hard plastics, should be tested in packaging materials.

According to the “Communiqué on Market Surveillance and Inspection of Certain Consumer Products for Hazardous Chemical Substance Content”, the phthalate limit should not exceed 0.1% (mass basis).

Specific Migration Test Method

• Specific Migration Test Application Area: This test determines the amount of migration of chemical components in plastic, composite materials in direct contact with food. Specific migration is applied to food packaging, plastic containers and other food contact materials.
• Test Procedure: The sample is placed in a specific liquid medium for a specified time and temperature. This liquid allows the migration of phthalates present in materials in direct contact with foodstuffs.
• Chemical Analysis: The amount of phthalates released from the sample is analyzed with instruments such as gas chromatography (GC). Gas chromatography analyzes the chemical structure of phthalates in the sample at specific wavelengths to determine their amount.
• Evaluation of Results: The results are compared with specific migration limits set by the European Union. If limits are exceeded, that material cannot be used in food contact products.

Phthalate Determination

Phthalates: Some phthalates, especially DEHP (Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), used as plasticizers in materials used in direct contact with food, carry health risks. Therefore, they are controlled with certain limits in food safety regulations.

Phthalates in samples are determined using techniques such asFTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and GC (Gas Chromatography). FTIR determines the chemical bonds and functional groups of phthalates, while GC analyzes the amount of phthalates.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

• The European Union (EU) and national regulations set limit values for the determination of specific migration and phthalates in food contact materials. For food safety, these tests are vital to protect consumer health.
• SPM (Specific Migration Limits) limit the amount of migration of harmful chemicals such as phthalates into food. If these limits are exceeded, the product can be withdrawn or withdrawn from the market.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Phthalate Determination. We also provide services on Specific Migration Determination.

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