Novel simulants for measuring migration

The legislation for food contact materials (FCM) says that a material or packaging must not transfer their constituents to food in concentrations that can be harmful for humans. In many cases this is regulated by adhering a migration limit to specific substances. But today's methods for measuring migration, where liquid simulants are used, are developed for plastic materials. If these simulants are applied to less inert materials, such as paper and board, there is a risk that the simulant dissolves the material or that the simulant i absorbed by the material. This does not simulate the real situation when these materials are used in their intended way. Today's methods are simply not suited for measuring migration of substances from materials such as paper and board.

In this project we are developing novel simulants that are better suited at measuring migration from these less inert materials. The focus is on developing simulants that mimic moist and fatty foods.  

A better method for measuring migration from less inert materials, such as paper and board, will help the industry to show compliance with the legislation. It will also lead to safer materials in contact with food and making sure that the consumers are not exposed to unnecessary risks. the method will also be helpful in evaluating whether recycled materials are safe to use in contact with food.