Evaluation of Short-Term and Long-Term Migration Testing from Can Coatings into Food Simulants: Epoxy and Acrylic–Phenolic Coatings

Abstract

Traditionally, migration testing during 10 days at 40 °C has been considered sufficient and appropriate for simulating the potential migration of substances from food-contact materials into foods. However, some packages, such as food cans, may be stored holding food for extended time periods (years). This study attempts to verify whether common testing conditions accurately estimate long-term migration. Two types of can coatings, epoxy and acrylic-phenolic, were subjected to short-term and long-term migration testing (1 day-1.5 years) using food simulants (water, 3% acetic acid, 50% ethanol, and isooctane) at 40 °C. Using HPLC-DAD/CAD, HPLC-MS, UHPLC-HRMS (where HRMS is accurate mass, mass spectrometry), and DART-HRMS, we identified potential migrants before starting the experiment: BPA, BADGE, BADGE derivatives, benzoguanamine, and other relevant marker compounds. During the experiment using a water-based food simulant, migrants remained stable. Most of the cans in contact with 3% acetic acid did not survive the experimental conditions. Tracked migrants were not detected in isooctane. In the presence of 50% ethanol, the traditional migration test during 10 days at 40 °C did not predict migration during long-term storage. These results suggest that migration protocols should be modified to account for long-term storage.

GC-MS Screening for the Identification of Potential Migrants Present in Polymeric Coatings of Food Cans

“…Some compounds that are related to the production of epoxy resins were identified in the extracts, for example, 4-tert-butylbenzoic was present in the sample AL [30]; nonylphenol, a catalyst in the cure of epoxy resins [31] or a starting material for the synthesis of nonylphenol ethoxylates (monomer for phenolic resins) [32], was detected in the sample SR; and benzoguanamine, which is used as cross-linker in, e.g., epoxy-and PVC-based coatings, was detected in three samples (AN, AR and TO1) [1,13].…”

Stabilities of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, bisphenol F diglycidyl ether, and their derivatives under controlled conditions analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry

“…Global trends in the analytical chemistry of food contact materials are currently being shaped and developed [13, 34]. Clearly, it is vital that research into combining short- and long-term simulations, as well as migration studies, using unified and validated interlaboratory protocols and methodologies, both instrumental and biological, is carried out.…”

A Review of Plastics Use in Winemaking: HACCP Considerations

“…NIAS may also be an issue, especially where new, alternative polymers are used which, despite FDA guidance documents, may not be fully understood (US FDA 2007b, Paseiro-Cerrato et al 2017. The FDA regulates food-contact "resinous and polymeric coatings," listing approved precursor materials and setting migration limits of total extractives from the coating to the food (US FDA 1977b).…”

“…Plastics are considered biochemically inert and unable to penetrate through cell membranes because of their large molecular size, preventing them from interacting with the endocrine system. Nevertheless, plastics can also contain additives, unreacted feedstock monomers or oligomers of the component plastics, and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), which include plastic degradation products and other potential chemical side reactions from the manufacturing process (Teuten et al 2009, Paseiro-Cerrato et al 2017. These could potentially migrate into the wine with biological consequences, and may pose a food safety risk or otherwise be of concern to the quality or marketability of wine.…”