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Mathematical modelling of migration: a suitable tool for the enforcement authorities?
J H Petersen1, X T Trier, B Fabech
1Danish Institute for Food and Veterinary Research (DFVF), 19 Mørkhøj Bygade, DK-2860 Søborg, Denmark. jhp@dfvf.dk
Food Additives and Contaminants
|October 18, 2005
Summary
Migration modelling can aid food safety compliance testing for plastics. While challenges exist in data acquisition, food inspectors found migration modelling a valuable tool for future regulatory control.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Polymer Science
- Regulatory Compliance
Background:
- Migration modelling is accepted for plastic compliance testing, where calculated low migration suffices for legislation.
- Experimental verification is required for non-compliance cases, and the European Commission suggests modelling to reduce analysis costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the practical application of migration modelling software in official food control.
- To assess its potential for enhancing self-monitoring programs in Danish plastic manufacturing.
Main Methods:
- Training food inspectors from nine regional centers on commercial migration modelling software.
- Providing ongoing support over a one-year project period.
- Conducting site visits to 40 plastic material and article producers.
Main Results:
- Only 16 full migration calculations were completed due to insufficient material composition data.
- Commercial confidentiality was a significant barrier, hindering data access from raw material suppliers.
- Food inspectors generally supported the use of migration modelling for future inspections.
Conclusions:
- Implementing migration modelling in food control faces practical hurdles, primarily related to data availability and commercial sensitivity.
- Despite challenges, food inspectors view migration modelling positively as a tool for regulatory oversight and industry self-assessment.
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