Meaning
Analytical laboratory procedures that assess the migration of chemical substances from plastic packaging into standardized liquid mediums ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance. In the evaluation of food-contact polymers, food simulant testing measures the quantity of monomers, additives, and degradation products that leach into food over time. The testing is performed using simulated food environments, including water and ethanol, under controlled temperature and time conditions.
The evaluation is required before any new polymer compound can be certified for food-contact applications.
Simulant Selection
Different food types require specific liquids to mimic their extraction behavior. Aqueous foods are tested with ten percent ethanol, while acidic foods are exposed to three percent acetic acid. Fatty foods require stronger extractors like vegetable oil or ninety-five percent ethanol.
Migration Exposure
Storage temperature and duration determine the migration rate during the test run. High-temperature conditions are simulated by heating the test cells to sixty degrees Celsius for ten days. These harsh parameters represent the worst-case scenario for long-term storage.
Compliance Verification
Extract analysis is performed using chromatography to quantify the transferred substances. The total migration must remain below the limits set by regulatory agencies. Ensuring this boundary is met protects the integrity of the packaging brand.
