Migration Safety of Perfluoroalkyl Substances from Sugarcane Pulp Tableware: Residue Analysis and Takeout Simulation...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Food Safety
• Materials Science

Background:

• Growing demand for biodegradable tableware due to plastic bans.
• Need for safety assessments of chemical contaminants like PFASs in plant-based alternatives.
• Sugarcane pulp tableware is a popular eco-friendly option.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) contamination in sugarcane pulp tableware.
• To assess the migration of target PFASs (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxA, PFPeA) into food simulants.
• To determine consumer risk from PFAS migration under simulated use and takeout conditions.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 22 commercial sugarcane pulp tableware samples for total fluorine (TF) and extractable organic fluorine (EOF).
• Quantification of five target PFASs (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxA, PFPeA) residues.
• Migration studies using food simulants (water, acetic acid, ethanol) under standardized and aggressive (takeout) conditions.

Main Results:

• 31% of samples exceeded the EU total fluorine limit (50 mg/kg).
• Sporadic PFOA residues exceeded the EU single compound limit in 9% of samples.
• Low EOF/TF ratios suggested inorganic fluorides as the primary fluorine source.
• PFAS migration into food simulants was minimal, significantly below safety thresholds.

Conclusions:

• While some sugarcane tableware has concerning PFAS residues, likely from manufacturing, migration poses negligible immediate consumer risk.
• Inorganic fluorides are a significant fluorine source in these products.
• Stricter quality control for PFOA and inorganic fluoride inputs is recommended for manufacturers.