Phthalates in soft PVC products used in food production equipment and in other food contact materials on the Danish and the Nordic Market 2013-2014

Abstract

Background: Food contact materials (FCM) containing phthalates can be a source of food contamination when used in plastics for food production equipment, in utensils for food contact and in packaging. Since 2008 several of the phthalates used for FCM were regulated in the EU; some of them because they were well-known endocrine disruptors. Results of the Danish Food Authorities control in 2008 and 2009 showed 23 % non-compliant samples. Critical FCMs turned out to be those made from plasticised PVC and sold as suitable for contact with fatty foodstuffs. Targeted follow up control campaigns were therefore arranged by the Danish food authorities (latest in 2013) and by the Nordic food authorities in a common campaign in 2014. Findings: FCM plastics were analysed for phthalate content and when needed additionally tested for migration of phthalates according to the declared area of use with respect to food type, contact temperature and time in contact with food. In both recent control campaigns about 1/3 of the samples analysed exceeded the current maximum limits for phthalates (especially DBP and DEHP) in plastics or showed migration into the fatty food simulant above the specific migration limits. Critical sample types were conveyor belts, hoses and gloves. Conclusions: Legal limits for phthalates were exceeded in many of the samples analysed in recent tests, including a large proportion of conveyor belts and gloves. The proportion of non-compliant conveyor belts, hoses and gaskets was lower in 2013 and 2014 than in 2008-2009, whereas the proportion of non-compliant gloves increased.

Detection and quantification analysis of chemical migrants in plastic food contact products

“…The detection procedure was according to the method described in the literature (DEHA[27], DEHP[28]). The FCM plastic was rinsed with HPLC-grade water and crushed into pieces.…”

Bioinspired Superhydrophobic Nanocoating Based on Polydopamine and Nanodiamonds to Mitigate Bacterial Attachment to Polyvinyl Chloride Surfaces in Food Industry Environments

“…Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has seen extensive use in food-contact applications including conveyor belts, rollers, piping, tubing, gaskets, gloves, countertops, and packaging. − PVC conveyors have been the topic of extensive study. The viability of pathogenic microorganisms on and transfer of such organisms to and from PVC conveyor belts have been studied extensively. − Some research has suggested that PVC conveyor belts may be more difficult to effectively clean and sanitize than other food-contact surfaces such as stainless-steel .…”

Effects of DEHP, DEHT and DINP Alone or in a Mixture on Cell Viability and Mitochondrial Metabolism of Endothelial Cells In Vitro

“…Their uses broaden over time to meet the growing industrial demand to the extent that plasticizers are an ubiquitous part of contemporary lifestyle. They have been reported in a wide range of commercial products, such as food packaging, toys, medical devices and protective gloves [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Although plasticizer consumption is tremendous, their use is not without risks.…”