Sugarcane Pulp Take-Out Containers Produce More Microparticles in Acidic Foods

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Sugarcane pulp (SCP) is a common material for eco-friendly food packaging.
• Concerns exist regarding the potential migration of substances from packaging into food.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate microparticle release from SCP take-out containers into food simulants.
• To assess the safety of SCP containers concerning microparticle and metal migration.

Main Methods:

• Tested microparticle release using deionized water, 4% acetic acid, and 95% ethanol as food simulants.
• Analyzed overall migration values and quantified microparticle counts and sizes.
• Determined the concentration of metallic elements (Al, Fe, Pb, Ti, Sr) in the containers.

Main Results:

• 4% acetic acid caused significant sugarcane fiber degradation, leading to the highest microparticle release.
• Overall migration in 4% acetic acid exceeded the 10 mg/dm² safety limit.
• Consumers could ingest 36,400-231,700 microparticles per container, primarily in the 10-500 μm range.
• Aluminum and Iron were the most abundant metals detected.

Conclusions:

• SCP containers pose a risk of microparticle and metal contamination, especially in acidic foods.
• The safety of SCP packaging requires further evaluation regarding microparticle and metallic element migration.
• Regulatory attention is needed for SCP food contact materials to ensure consumer safety.