Meaning
Standardized test liquid containing fifty percent ethanol in water replicates the extractive properties of specific food types. Food simulant d1 is used to evaluate the migration of chemical substances from polymers into dairy products or foods with an alcohol content above twenty percent. This mixture provides a consistent medium for laboratory testing that approximates the behavior of real foodstuffs.
Ethanol Composition
Solvent strength in this simulant is high enough to pull both polar and non-polar migrants from the plastic matrix. Because food simulant d1 contains a significant portion of ethanol, it acts as an aggressive medium for testing the integrity of polymer barriers. The concentration must be precisely maintained during the migration period to ensure the results are valid and reproducible.
Migration Protocol
Testing involves immersing the polymer sample in the liquid at a controlled temperature for a set duration. Using food simulant d1 allows labs to predict how much of a stabilizer or plasticizer will leach into milk or wine over the shelf life of the product. These results are then used to certify the material for food contact in the European market.
Regulatory Scope
Specific food categories are assigned to this simulant by regional safety agencies. It covers a wide range of products including liqueurs, fruit juices and processed vegetables. The simulant provides a clear benchmark for comparing the safety of different resin grades.
