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The flowers and peels of cactus Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) are by-products generally discarded. Their beneficial properties have been linked to the chemical composition without taking into account its transformations during digestion. This study evaluated and compared the phenolic composition, antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of OFI peel and flower teas before and after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion.Results showed that OFI peel tea was a source of natural phenolic compounds and carotenoids, while OFI flower tea was a source of flavonoids. Both OFI peel and flower teas exhibited high antioxidant activities (AAs) measured by several tests [1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPHOFI peel tea has been found as a source of natural phenolic compounds and carotenoids, while OFI dry flower tea as a source of flavonoids. The OFI flower tea phytochemicals were more stable than peel tea during the digestive process. These findings suggest that peels and flowers of OFI should be considered as sources of healthy ingredients. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Biopolymers based on polylactic acid (PLA) and starch have numerous advantages, such as coming from renewable sources or being compostable, though they can have deficiencies in mechanical properties, and for this reason, polyester resins are occasionally added to them in order to improve their properties. In this work, migration from a PLA sample and from another starch-based biopolymer to three different food simulants was studied. Attention was focused on the determination of oligomers. The analysis was first performed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF–MS), which allowed the identification of the oligomers present in migration. Then, the samples were analyzed by two ambient desorption/ionization techniques directly coupled to mass spectrometry (ADI), direct analysis in real-time coupled to standardized voltage and pressure (DART-MS) and atmospheric pressure solids analysis probe (ASAP-MS). These methodologies were able to detect simultaneously the main oligomers migrants and their adducts in a very rapid and effective way. Nineteen different polyester oligomers, fourteen linear and five cyclic, composed of different combinations of adipic acid [AA], propylene glycol [PG], dipropylene glycol [DPG], 2,2-dibutyl-1,3-propanediol [DBPG], or isobutanol [i-BuOH] were detected in migration samples from PLA. In migration samples from starch-based biopolymer, fourteen oligomers from poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate) polyester (PBAT) were identified, twelve cyclic and two linear. The results from ADI techniques showed that they are a very promising alternative tool to assess the safety and legal compliance of food packaging materials. Graphical abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00216-021-03755-0.

Plastic recycling is the main solution to reduce the plastic waste. High-density polyethylene has not been recycled yet successfully as food contact material due to the amount of chemicals present in post-consumer material together with its high chemical sorption capacity. The migration of two post-consumer recycled HDPE milk bottles were studied to both 50 % ethanol as food simulant and real food (one type skimmed milk and two plant base beverages (soy milk and horchata). Firstly, a headspace-solid phase extraction-gas chromatography mass spectrometry method was developed and optimized to analyze these milky samples. After exposure, 53 compounds were identified and among them several additives, NIAS such as 2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione, 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl), 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol and 7,9-di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione, degradation products of antioxidant compounds as well as several residues from cleaning products, detergents and flavoring agents were found. Finally, the risk assessment was applied and it was found that five compounds did not comply after migration to 50 % ethanol.

The characterization and quantification of phenolic compounds in bearberry leaves were performed using hyphenated ion mobility spectroscopy (IMS) and a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. A higher identification confidence level was obtained by comparing the measured collision cross section (TWCCSN2) with predicted values using a machine learning algorithm. A total of 88 compounds were identified, including 14 arbutin derivatives, 33 hydrolyzable tannins, 6 flavanols, 26 flavonols, 9 saccharide derivatives, and glycosidic compounds. Those most reliably reproduced in all samples were quantified against respective standards. Arbutin (47-107 mg/g), 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloylglucose (6.6-12.9 mg/g), and quercetin 3-galactoside/quercetin 3-glucoside (2.7-5.7 mg/g) were the most abundant phenolic components in the leaves. Quinic acid and ellagic acid were also detected at relatively high concentrations. The antioxidant activity of the most abundant compounds was evaluated. A critical view of the advantages and limitations of traveling wave IMS and CCS for the discovery of natural products is given.

Recycling of polymers is one of the alternatives to reduce the impact of polymers presence on the environmental. However, the contaminants, defined as non-intentionally added substances, present in recycled material may migrate into food and also change its molecular structure. This work addresses the extractability/migration of contaminants from polypropylene (PP) samples into food simulants and the influence of these contaminants on the molecular structure of recycled PP. For this PP was contaminated with several substances to simulate a “worst-case” scenario and, then it was submitted to a recycling process. Extractability tests were performed by solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy both to evaluate the presence of contaminants in the PP samples and their ability to migrate in food simulants. Additionally, molecular changes of the PP samples were evaluated by oscillatory rheometry. After washing and extrusion of the PP samples the extractability results showed considerable reductions of migrations in the food simulants and indicated, in some cases, compliance with regulations for using recycled polymer in contact with food. The residual contaminants were present in the polymer, the high temperatures and shear rates play an important role in molecular changes. Finally, the results highlight the importance of the use of rheological measurements to detect the influence of contaminants in recycled materials. Their presence result in material with different molar mass, that may be applied in different market applications.

Within the scope of sustainability, this work tackles both food waste and food safety by studying the ethylene scavenging potencial of α-cyclodextrin nanosponges produced by solvent-free synthesis and the food safety evaluation of the compostable packaging for food contact applications where the nanosponges will be incorporated.

A non-targeted method was developed for screening the semi-volatile compounds of different mechanically recycled PET intended for food contact materials. The data was further analyzed by multiple chemometrics methods to obtain the difference level, and the potential influence factors were investigated. The results showed that total dissolution with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry was more effective than other reported methods. Based on the difference level, 97 compounds were characterized into 4 levels. 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone originating from organic solvent was recognized as level IV and could be determined as the primary difference indicator. The contaminant is mainly attributed to the residuum derived from non-food consumer products. The specific types of contaminants and process parameters of the recycling, such as moisture content, properties of rPET, and temperature, were the potential key factors affecting the presence of semi-volatile compounds of mechanically recycled rPET.

Aiming to exploit the remediation of olive cake and leaves, a comparative study between these extracts from the same trees has been carried out to explore them as a source of bioactive compounds with added value. Olive cake (OCE) and leaf (OLE) methanolic extracts were chemically characterized by UPLC-QTOF-MS, and tested for their in vitro antimicrobial activity using a broth microdilution method. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH scavenging, ferric reducing-antioxidant power and iron chelation assays. Our results demonstrated that Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to the extracts tested than Gram-negative bacteria, with the exception of Yersinia enterocolitica and Campylobacter jejuni. OLE have higher amounts of ash, carbohydrates, total phenolic content and flavonoids than OCE. UPLC-ESI-TOF-MS allowed the putative identification of 48 and 45 compounds in OLE and OCE, respectively, with three newly identified compounds in OLE. OLE had the highest antioxidant activity based on DPPH, ferrozin and FRP. This study provides novel information on the presence of bioactive compounds, antioxidant and antibacterial capacity of Olea europaea L. leaf and cake extracts, which can lead to the use of these by-products as sources of natural-based bioactive compounds suitable for numerous applications.

Toward a more rigorous inspection of food contact materials, the importance of sample preparation for nontarget screening should be addressed. Direct immersion-solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography mass spectrometry (DI-SPME-GC-MS) was optimized for nontarget screening of migrants in 3% acetic acid, 10% ethanol, and 95% ethanol food simulants by response surface methodology (RSM) in the present study. Optimum conditions were DVB/CAR/PDMS fiber, no pH adjustment for 10% and 95% ethanol simulant but pH adjustment to 7 for 3% acetic acid simulant, no salt addition, 5 min preincubation, 55 min extraction at 70 °C, and 8 min desorption at 250 °C. In addition, 9.5 times dilution of 95% ethanol samples prior to extraction was required. pH modification of 3% acetic acid samples was found to be critical for the extraction of amines. The proposed methodology was then evaluated by determining the limit of detection (LOD) as well as repeatability of 35 food contact materials-related substances. Except for those amines and diols which have a relatively high LOD, the LODs of the rest of the substances were 0.1-14.1 μg/kg with a precision of 1.9-23.0% in 10% ethanol and were 0.1-20.2 μg/kg with a precision of 2.5-19.6% in 3% acetic acid simulant. The LOD and precision in 95% ethanol simulant were 0.7-163.7 μg/kg and 1.4-26.8%, respectively. The proposed method can be applied for an overall screening of migrants from these three simulants at even trace levels, though attention should be paid to some specific analytes, e.g., diols and amines, which could have a high LOD and toxicity.

Food packaging is of high societal value because it conserves and protects food, makes food transportable and conveys information to consumers. It is also relevant for marketing, which is of economic significance. Other types of food contact articles, such as storage containers, processing equipment and filling lines, are also important for food production and food supply. Food contact articles are made up of one or multiple different food contact materials and consist of food contact chemicals. However, food contact chemicals transfer from all types of food contact materials and articles into food and, consequently, are taken up by humans. Here we highlight topics of concern based on scientific findings showing that food contact materials and articles are a relevant exposure pathway for known hazardous substances as well as for a plethora of toxicologically uncharacterized chemicals, both intentionally and non-intentionally added. We describe areas of certainty, like the fact that chemicals migrate from food contact articles into food, and uncertainty, for example unidentified chemicals migrating into food. Current safety assessment of food contact chemicals is ineffective at protecting human health. In addition, society is striving for waste reduction with a focus on food packaging. As a result, solutions are being developed toward reuse, recycling or alternative (non-plastic) materials. However, the critical aspect of chemical safety is often ignored. Developing solutions for improving the safety of food contact chemicals and for tackling the circular economy must include current scientific knowledge. This cannot be done in isolation but must include all relevant experts and stakeholders. Therefore, we provide an overview of areas of concern and related activities that will improve the safety of food contact articles and support a circular economy. Our aim is to initiate a broader discussion involving scientists with relevant expertise but not currently working on food contact materials, and decision makers and influencers addressing single-use food packaging due to environmental concerns. Ultimately, we aim to support science-based decision making in the interest of improving public health. Notably, reducing exposure to hazardous food contact chemicals contributes to the prevention of associated chronic diseases in the human population.

Although most new biomaterials for food industry applications are labelled ‘100% natural fabrication’ and ‘chemical-free’, certain compounds may migrate from those materials to the food, compromis- ing the organoleptic characteristics and safety of the product. In this work, the degree of compound migration from dishes made with four different biomaterials: bamboo, palm leaf, wood and wheat pulp was investigated. Migration tests were carried out using three food simulants, 10% ethanol (sim- ulant A), 3% acetic acid (simulant B), and 95% ethanol (simulant D2). Unequivocal identification of non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) is challenging even when using high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques however, a total of 25 different non-volatile compounds from the migration tests were identified and quantified using Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to ion mobility quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-IMS-MS). In the bamboo samples three oligomers, cyclic diethylene glycol adipate, 3,6,9,16,19,22-hexaoxabicyclo[22.3.1]-octacosa-1(28),24,26- triene-2,10,15,23-tetrone and 1,4,7,14,17,20-hexaoxacyclohexacosane-8,13,21,26-tetrone exceeded the specified limits of migration.

This research aimed to study the migration of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) from primary carton packages to dry foods, using 16 aromatic hydrocarbons as model substances, covering a wide range of molecular masses and chemical structures. Migration experiments were performed using modified polyphenylene oxide as a food simulant and couscous and polenta as dry foods. The migration tests were carried out to simulate storage at room temperature for long periods and in hot food containers as the worst scenario. Multivariate analysis algorithms were applied to correlate and group the migration of model substances, and a partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was built to predict the worst-case migration. The results showed strong correlations in the migration patterns of the model substances, based on their volatility, food matrix, migration time and temperature. Different behaviour between the migration of the most volatile and the heaviest model substances was observed.

There are numerous approaches and methodologies for assessing the identity and quantities of non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in food contact materials (FCMs). They can give different results and it can be difficult to make meaningful comparisons. The initial approach was to attempt to prepare a prescriptive methodology but as this proved impossible; this paper develops guidelines that need to be taken into consideration when assessing NIAS. Different approaches to analysing NIAS in FCMs are reviewed and compared. The approaches for preparing the sample for analysis, recommended procedures for screening, identification, and quantification of NIAS as well as the reporting requirements are outlined. Different analytical equipment and procedures are compared. Limitations of today's capabilities are raised along with some research needs.

This article studies the migration of MOAH from hot melt adhesives used in multilayer laminates into food simulants. First, the initial concentration of a group of compounds selected as MOAH markers in several adhesives was determined by headspace solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), using the previously optimised method. Then, the migration of the MOAH fraction and MOAH markers from the laminates was studied. The MOAH fraction was analysed by gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID), and the MOAH markers were analysed by HS-SPME-GC-MS. Twelve MOAH markers were detected, and their initial concentrations were between 0.46 and 33.8 μg g-1. Only eight were identified after migration, ranging between 0.62 and 21.33 μg dm-2, with a migration percentage of 12–75%. The fraction of MOAH that migrated eluted mainly in the C16-C25 range and reached concentrations of 19.65 μg dm-2 from the laminate.

Widespread use of plastics poses a serious environmental hazard to our planet and should be substituted by eco-friendly and biodegradable alternatives, simultaneously reducing waste of perishable food products and the risk of transmission of pathogenic microbes. In our study, we describe how the water solubility of the antimicrobial surfactant ethyl lauroyl arginate (LAE) can be reduced through complexation with a Keggin-type polyoxometalate (POM), K8[SiW11O39]. The POM-LAE complex, LAE7K[SiW11O39], was effective against Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 32 and 64 μg/mL, respectively, with the important finding that the concentrations of LAE required to inhibit bacterial growth were as much as two times lower in the POM-LAE complex, compared with LAE on its own. In addition, our results demonstrate that POM-LAE is both an effective inhibitor of biofilm formation and is also able to destroy pre-formed biofilms of L. monocytogenes and E. coli at MIC concentrations. Further, POM-LAE was incorporated into carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) films that were able to reduce 7–8 log (CFU/mL) of L. monocytogenes at concentrations of 5–10% POM-LAE. In vivo assays of the POM-LAE-CMC films with cured ham prevented initialk bacterial growth with a 0.77 log significative reduction in bacterial counts. Overall, this work provides new alternatives for the development of antimicrobial biodegradable films for ready-to-eat (RTE) foods prone to contamination with pathogenic bacteria, such as L. monocytogenes, while also circumventing practical issues related to the incorporation of LAE into active packaging films., This work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (RTI2018-097805-B-I00 and PID2019-109333RB-I00), the Gobierno de Aragón (Project LMP49-18) and the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (1061/2020). N.G. acknowledges a fellowship from the Universidad de Zaragoza and Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour.

This article presents fabric phase sorptive extraction (FPSE) as a simple and effective pre-concentration method for the enrichment of acrylate compounds in different food simulants and subsequent analysis of the extracts by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (UPLC-MS). Acrylate compounds come from acrylic adhesives used commonly for sticking the paper labels on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and therefore, they may exist in recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET). Four acrylates were studied: ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDM), pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA), triethylene glycol diacrylate (TEGDA) and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA). Five different types of FPSE media coated with different sol-gel sorbents were studied and finally sol-gel polyethylene glycol- polypropylene glycol-polyethylene glycol triblock copolymer (PEG-PPG-PEG) coated FPSE media was chosen for its satisfactory results. The optimal conditions affecting the extraction efficiency of compounds were determined in three different food simulants. Statistical evaluation of this method reveals good linearity and precision. Under the optimized conditions, the method provided limits of detection of the compounds in the range of (0.1–1.9 ng g−1, 0.1–1.2 ng g−1, 0.2–2.3 ng g−1) in EtOH 10%, HAc 3% and EtOH 20% and the enrichment factor values (EFs) after applying N2 were in the range of 11.1–25.0, 13.8–26.3, 8.3–21.9, in simulants A, B and C respectively. The optimized method was applied successfully to analyze thirteen types of recycled PET samples. Acrylates were found in some of the samples at ng g−1 levels.

Atmospheric pressure gas chromatography (APGC) coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) and electron ionization mass spectrometry together with commercial library search are two complementary techniques for non-target screening of volatile and semi-volatile compounds. Optimization was first conducted to achieve easier search of correspondent peaks between the two systems. Analytical strategy for the determination of volatile and semi-volatile compound with different identification confidence levels was then proposed and applied to food contact grade polypropylene (PP) samples. Identification was found to be much easier and less time-consuming especially when correspondent peak was found in the two systems with the help of library search, exact mass of precursor and fragment ions as well as Kovats Index (KI). The behavior of APGC-QTOF-MS was also further investigated. Apart from the M+. ion and the well-known adduct [M + H](+) others such as [M-3H + O](+), [M-3H + 2O](+) and [M-H + 3O](+) were also observed for n-alkanes. Besides, new reaction products were found, formed by diol compounds (1-Monostearoylglycerol, 2-Monostearoylglycerol and NX 8000K) and silanediol dimethyl, which would be a transformation product of the silicone base septum or the methyl 5% phenyl polysiloxane based column. These new compounds were only detected in APGC-MS-QTOF as EI-GC-MS was not enough sensitive for this purpose.

Baby bottles made of polypropylene, Tritan® and silicone were evaluated regarding the migration of non-volatile compounds using UPLC-QTOF-MS. Twenty-seven compounds were identified. In all polypropylene samples the migration of 2.2′-(tridecylimino)bis-ethanol and derivatives thereof were detected in concentrations below the specific migration limit (1.2 mg.kg−1). Furthermore, clarifying agents and glycerol derivatives were detected. Tritan baby bottle showed the migration of one slip additive. On the other hand, twenty compounds were detected in silicone baby bottles. Most of them were unknown compounds derived from acrylates. Once the migrants were identified, the risk assessment was carried out using the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approach. The risk assessment of migrants coming from silicone samples showed levels above the threshold recommended as safe for babies.

The rapid growth of polymer technology in the field of food contact materials (FCMs) needs to be supported by continuous improvement in material testing, in order to ensure the safety of foodstuff. In this work, a range of different starch-based biopolymer samples, in the shape of pellets and retail samples (cups and dishes) were studied. The optimized extraction process was performed on three different pellet shapes: pellets with no modification (spherical), pellets shattered under high pressure (lentils), and pellets cryogenically ground (powder). The analysis of unknown volatile and semi-volatile compounds was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, using both electron ionization with a single quadrupole mass analyzer (GC-EI-MS), and atmospheric pressure gas chromatography with a quadrupole/time of flight mass analyzer (APGC-Q/ToF). The identification process was implemented using the latest advances in the understanding of APGC ionization pathways. Chemical migration was also assessed on prototype samples using the food simulants: ethanol 10% v/v, acetic acid 3% w/V, ethanol 95% v/v, isooctane, and vegetable oil. Each migration test was performed three consecutive times, as recommended for materials intended for repeated use.

Biopolymers used for food contact materials must be evaluated in order to ensure food safety and quality. In this work, the aroma profile of starch-based packaging materials, presented as pellets and films has been characterized. Headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) technique and gas chromatography coupled to both mass spectrometry and a sniffing port (GC-MS-O) were used for identification. In total, 35 odorant compounds were detected. The results showed that aldehydes were the odorants with the highest aromatic impact in starch-based films. Eight odorant compounds, such as trimethylamine, 1-octen-3-one, sotolon, (Z) and (E)-2-nonenal, p-vinylguaiacol, eugenol and 1-undecanol, defined as aroma-impact compounds, obtained modified frequency values (MF%) above 60% in at least 3 out of 4 films. A sensory panel evaluated the toasted, sweet/fruity, green, flower, distasteful, fat and spices notes in the films and it was observed that the quality of all samples decreased when the toasted and spices notes increased.

Food packaging is tailored to keep food fresh by increasing shelf life and preventing microbial deterioration. However, traditional food packaging is commonly made from non-degradable polymers without antimicrobial properties and that pose an environmental threat if not disposed properly. To address this issue, here we describe the preparation of cellulose nanofibril (CNF) films and hydrogels with antimicrobial activity against common foodborne pathogens such as verotoxigenic E. coli, L. monocytogenes and S. Typhimurium. Furthermore, two grades of negatively charged CNFs with different fibrillation degrees were modified with ethyl lauroyl arginate (LAE), which is an antimicrobial agent. CNF films were able to bind LAE molecules up to a maximum concentration of 145–160 ppm. LAE–CNF biocomposite films exerted a bactericidal activity against a major foodborne pathogen present in ready-to-eat food (L. monocytogenes) even at 1% LAE. Our work describes a novel biopolymer-based strategy that overcomes the current hurdles with LAE incorporation into packaging materials, offering a green and antimicrobial alternative for packaging of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biopolymer commonly used in food packaging due to its good characteristics, similar to PET. To evaluate the safety of this material, the analysis of the non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) is required. Oligomers are NIAS and their behavior needs a deep study, especially if they migrate to the food. In this work, the analysis of the polymer and the migration to food simulants was carried out. A total dissolution/precipitation procedure was applied to PLA pellets and films, using dichloromethane and ethanol as solvent and antisolvent system respectively. The migration tests were carried out in three liquid simulants to mimic any kind of food. Since oligomers are not present in the positive list of the Directive 10/2011/EC, their concentration must be below the 0.01 mg/kg of food. UPLC-QTOF-MS, with and without ion mobility (IM), was used for the analysis. Thirty-nine different PLA oligomers made of repeated monomer units of [LA] (C3H4O2) and with different structures were identified. They corresponded to cyclic oligomers with [LA]n structure and two groups of linear oligomers, one with an hydroxyl group, OH–[LA]n–H, and the other one with an ethoxy group, CH3–CH2–O–[LA]n–H. Cyclic oligomers only appeared in the material and were not present in migration solutions. Linear oligomers HO–[LA]n–H were already present in the pellets/film and they migrated in a higher extension to aqueous food simulants (EtOH 10% and AcH 3%). However, linear oligomers CH3–CH2–O–[LA]n–H were not present initially in the pellets/film, but were detected in migration to simulants with ethanol content, EtOH 95% and EtOH 10%. Furthermore, 5 cyclic polyester oligomers were identified in migration. Ethanol 95% and ethanol 10% migration solutions were also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the presence of microstructures that could be attributed to the oligomers migration was found. They could be seen as microplastics.

49 different non-volatile compounds were determined in Spanish Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaves using UPLC®-ESI-Q-TOF with MSE technology. Both positive and negative electrospray ionization were applied. MarkerLynx® was proposed as a powerful tool to distinguish samples from eight wild populations of Spain by determining their non-volatile markers. Development of HRMS methods let to analysis of metabolites in plants. Antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities of different extracts were evaluated. Plant extract with the strongest antioxidant and simultaneous good antimicrobial capacity (Lierta) was chosen and incorporated in a multilayer packaging. Then, antioxidant capacity of the new packaging was evaluated and the efficient free radical scavenging properties were demonstrated.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely recognized being an endocrine disrupter and it is employed in many food packaging applications. Although it is not intended to take part in the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) food grade, the presence of BPA in recycled PET should not be neglected. To satisfy the increasing need to ensure “BPA-free” articles, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed. The crucial step in the sample preparation was the total dissolution/reprecipitation of the polymer. The repeatability of the method (RSD%, n = 6) was lower than 7.6%, while HorRat values ranged between 0.3 and 0.5. Limits of detection and quantitation were 1.0 and 3.3 ng g−1, respectively. Recovery ranged from 89 to 107%. The method was applied to 23 samples of virgin and recycled pellets, preforms and bottles. Migration tests were also carried out. Results shown significantly higher levels of BPA in recycled PET.

[EN] The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP) assessed the safety of the recycling process ISAP Packaging (EU register number RECYC218), which uses the Starlinger deCON technology. The input material is hot washed and dried poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) flakes originating from collected post-consumer PET containers, e.g. bottles, including no more than 5% PET from non-food consumer applications. The flakes are preheated before being submitted to solid-state polycondensation (SSP) in a reactor at high temperature under vacuum and (sic) The process may be operated with more than one SSP reactor (normally four). Having examined the challenge test provided, the Panel concluded that the preheating (step 2) and the decontamination in the (sic) SSP reactor (step 3) are critical in determining the decontamination efficiency of the process. The operating parameters to control the performance of these critical steps are temperature, pressure, residence time and (sic) It was demonstrated that this recycling process is able to ensure a level of migration of potential unknown contaminants into food below the conservatively modelled migration of 0.1 mu g/kg food. Therefore, the Panel concluded that the recycled PET obtained from this process is not considered to be of safety concern, when used at up to 100% for the manufacture of materials and articles for contact with all types of foodstuffs for long-term storage at room temperature, with or without hotfill. The final articles made of this recycled PET are not intended to be used in microwave or conventional ovens and such uses are not covered by this evaluation. (C) 2021 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority

An exhaustive migration study of eight corks, made of ethylene–vinyl acetate, was carried out to identify any non-volatile and volatile compounds using an untargeted approach. The challenge associated with the structural elucidation of unknowns was undertaken using both ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to an ion-mobility separation quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometer and gas chromatography mass spectrometry. A total of fifty compounds were observed to migrate from the corks, and among these additives such as antioxidants (Butyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, Irganox 1010, Irganox 1075, Irgafos 168 and BHT) or lubricants (EBO and octadecanamide, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-) were identified. A high proportion (84%) of the detected compounds was non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), and included several cyclic oligomers with different chain sequences. NIAS, such as 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-ethyl and 7,9-ditert-butyl-1-oxaspiro[4.5]deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione, break-down products, including hexa-, hepta- and nonadecanamide, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, and oxidation products were also identified. One cork was found to be unsuitable for use as a food contact material.