Meaning
Laboratory procedure uses specific liquids to mimic the leaching behaviour of food products in contact with plastic materials. Conducting a food simulant extraction is a mandatory step in verifying that a new mould or resin formulation is safe for food-contact applications. The simulants are chosen to represent different food types, such as water, acidic foods, alcoholic beverages, and fatty substances.
Testing Condition
Samples are submerged in the simulant and held at a controlled temperature for a set duration. The food simulant extraction process often uses accelerated conditions, such as 10 days at 40 degrees celsius, to model a long shelf life at room temperature. For microwaveable or hot-fill parts, the test temperature is increased to match the highest expected thermal load.
Migration Analysis
Liquid from the test is analyzed after the exposure period to measure the total amount of material that has migrated. During food simulant extraction, both the overall migration and the specific migration of individual additives are recorded. This ensures that no toxic substances reach the consumer at levels that exceed the established safety limits.
Compliance Verification
Results are compared against the limits set by regional authorities such as the European Food Safety Authority.
