Phthalates and Bisphenols Migration in Mexican Food Cans and Plastic Food Containers

Abstract

The presence of endocrine disruptors bisphenol-A, bisphenol-A-dimethacrylate, bisphenol-A-diglycidyl-ether, phthalic-acid, dibutyl-phthalate, diethyl-phthalate and dioctyl-phthalate was determined in vegetable cans, baby bottles and microwaveable containers from the Mexican market. Gas-Chromatography-Mass-Spectrometry was used for the identification and High-Performance-Liquid-Chromatography with UV/Visible light and fluorescence detectors was used for the quantification. Endocrine disruptors were found in all samples. PA and DOP were the substances most commonly found, and maximum concentrations were 9.549 and 0.664 μg/kg, respectively from a jalapeno peppers can. Bisphenol A, phthalic-acid, bisphenol-A-dimethacrylate, bisphenol-A-diglycidyl-ether, dioctyl-phtalate and dibutyl-phthalate were found in baby bottles and microwaveable containers.

Analysis of Phthalate Migration to Food Simulants in Plastic Containers during Microwave Operations

“…Phthalates are lipophilic and are found in higher concentrations in fatty foods, such as olive and other oils [15,32]. In this work, DBP concentrations that were similar to the concentrations reported in the analysis of hydrophilic food samples were obtained [17,20]. …”

“…However a study by Jen and Liu determined an average concentration DBP of 32 µg/L in PP soup bowls when they were heated for 10 minutes in a microwave oven at a power of 500 W [28]. A study by Gonzales-Castro et al determined a DBP concentration of 0.001 µg/L in aqueous solutions that were heated in the microwave oven [20]. In these two studies, the analysis conditions, such as the heating duration and temperature, were not varied.…”

“…Several studies have attempted to determine the migration magnitude of chemical substances present in food packaging materials. A study conducted by Gonzales-Castro et al found concentrations of DBP and DOP that migrated from plastic containers into food simulants of 0.023 µg/L and 0.664 µg/L, respectively [20]. Kueseng et al determined that the concentration of DEHP migrating from curry packaging into curry was 0.61 µg/L [21].…”

PVC flooring at home and uptake of phthalates in pregnant women

“…Some phthalates are mainly used as plasticizers and therefore added to, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics to increase the flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity . Soft PVC containing phthalates is used in, for example, car products, medical supplies, household articles such plastic food containers, plastic wraps, shower curtains, furniture, and also in flooring materials and adhesives . Phthalates have also been used in a variety of personal care products such as body wash, shampoo, and nail polish …”

Challenges to regulate products containing bisphenol A: Implications for policy

“…23 These studies are limited in sample size and target only pregnant women, which highlights the need for information about BPA levels in other Mexican population groups. In addition, in products commonly found in Mexican supermarkets, it has been shown that BPA migrated from the epoxy resin lining tuna and jalapeño cans into the enclosed food; 24 and that BPA is present in baby bottles and microwaveable plastic containers. 25 The Mexican regulatory apparatus responsible for protecting population health from the effects of goods and services, environmental and occupational factors, and sanitary emergencies is the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios, [Cofepris]), a decentralized body of the Ministry of Health.…”