Packaging contaminants in former food products: Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to identify the remnants and the associated risks

Mazzoleni, Sharon; Magni, Stefano; Tretola, M.; Luciano, A.; Ferrari, Luca; Bernardi, Cristian; Lin, Peng; Ottoboni, M.; Binelli, Andrea; Pinotti, L.

doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130888

Cited by 8 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 45 publications

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“…However, no NPs were observed in the SEM images of the MCPP group ( Figure 3 j–l), indicating that MCPP plastic food packaging can effectively prevent the dissolution of NPs, although the presence of other toxic substances (such as endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, etc.) cannot be ruled out [ 24 , 25 , 26 ]. The enhanced effect of temperature on the release of NPs may be due to the thermal or hydrolytic degradation of plastic materials at high temperatures, leading to the subsequent fracture of plastic chains and the cracking and fragmentation of plastic surfaces [ 25 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…toxic substances (such as endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, etc.) cannot be ruled out [24][25][26]. The enhanced effect of temperature on the release of NPs may be due to the thermal or hydrolytic degradation of plastic materials at high temperatures, leading to the subsequent fracture of plastic chains and the cracking and fragmentation of plastic surfaces [25].…”

Section: Morphology Analysis Of Npsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Simulation and Characterization of Nanoplastic Dissolution under Different Food Consumption Scenarios

Wang,

et al. 2023

Toxics

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Understanding of the potential leaching of plastic particles, particularly nanoplastics (NPs), from food packaging is crucial in assessing the safety of the packaging materials. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate potential exposure risks by simulating the release of NPs from various plastic packaging materials, including polypropylene (PP), general casting polypropylene (GCPP) or metalized casting polypropylene (MCPP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyphenylene sulfone (PPSU), under corresponding food consumption scenarios. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to identify and characterize the NPs leached from plastic packaging. The presence of separated NPs was observed in PP groups subjected to 100 °C hot water, GCPP plastic sterilized at a high temperature (121 °C), and PE plastic soaked in 100 °C hot water, exhibited a distorted morphology and susceptibility to aggregation. The findings suggest that the frequent consumption of takeaway food, hot beverages served in disposable paper cups, and foods packaged with GCPP materials may elevate the risk of ingestion of NPs. This reminds us that food packaging can serve as an important avenue for human exposure to NPs, and the results can offer valuable insights for food safety management and the development of food packaging materials.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Morphology Analysis Of Npsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Simulation and Characterization of Nanoplastic Dissolution under Different Food Consumption Scenarios

Wang,

et al. 2023

Toxics

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show abstract

“…In a possible breakthrough in plastics detection, Mazzolini et al [ 73 ] have had some success in detecting plastic using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μFT-IR) coupled with a microscope. Food leftovers, also called former food products (FFPs) due to logistical or production errors, surplus problems, or problems with packaging, are no longer suitable for sale and human consumption, but are valuable as components in food animal nutrition as ingredients [ 74 , 75 ].…”

Section: The Special Of Low-density Contaminantsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These FFPs are unpacked mechanically, and the packaging removed, although small bits of the packaging usually remain [ 76 , 77 ]. Mazzolini et al [ 73 ] were able to detect cellulose, aluminum, and plastic particles in the FFPs using the μFT-IR. This technique should be further investigated for its utilization in food processing environments.…”

Section: The Special Of Low-density Contaminantsmentioning

confidence: 99%