Feasibility study for the development of certified reference materials for specific migration testing. Part 1:...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Safety

Background:

• Specific migration testing is crucial for food contact materials safety.
• Standardized methods and reference materials are needed for accurate migration analysis.
• Existing reference materials for specific migration are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop the expertise for producing certified reference materials (CRMs) for specific migration testing.
• To identify and characterize suitable polymer-CRM candidates for migration analysis.
• To validate methods for determining CRM certification parameters.

Main Methods:

• Production of 16 candidate CRMs using common polymers and additives.
• Testing of migrant stability and homogeneity within polymer matrices.
• Development and validation of analytical methods for certification parameters (initial concentration, specific migration).
• Trial certification exercise involving four partner laboratories.

Main Results:

• Six candidate CRMs were selected based on suitability: LDPE//Irganox 1076/Irgafos 168, LDPE//1,4-diphenyl-1,3-butadiene (DPBD), HDPE//Chimassorb 81/Uvitex OB, PP homo//Irganox 1076/Irgafos 168, HIPS, 1% mineral oil//styrene, and PA 6//caprolactam.
• Feasibility of CRM production was demonstrated for these six materials.
• The trial certification exercise confirmed the suitability of the selected materials.

Conclusions:

• The project successfully developed the know-how for producing CRMs for specific migration testing.
• Six candidate materials exhibit properties suitable for future certified reference material production.
• This work contributes to improving the accuracy and reliability of migration testing in food contact materials.