Plastic Migration Testing: Ensuring the Safety of Food Packaging
Plastic packaging is widely used for food and beverages because it is lightweight, convenient and versatile. From takeaway containers and cups to bottles, bags and food films, plastic plays an important role in modern food packaging.
However, have you considered whether substances from plastic packaging could migrate into food?
Chemicals used in plastic packaging may migrate into food under certain conditions. The extent of migration depends on factors such as the type of food, contact temperature and contact time. Packaging should therefore be suitable for its intended food-contact application.
What Is Plastic Migration?
Plastic migration refers to the transfer of substances from food-contact packaging into food or an appropriate food simulant.
Migration can be influenced by the characteristics of the packaging and how it is used. For example, packaging intended for cold food may not necessarily be suitable for hot food or heating applications.
Temperature is particularly important. Higher temperatures may increase the potential for migration, making testing relevant for packaging used with hot food and beverages.
Why Is Migration Testing Important?
Plastic migration testing provides laboratory evidence to help determine whether food-contact packaging is suitable for its intended application.
Depending on the applicable requirements, testing may include overall migration and/or specific migration of regulated substances. Appropriate test conditions are selected based on factors such as the food type, temperature and duration of contact.
Migration testing can support:
- Food-contact safety evaluation
- Regulatory compliance
- Packaging product development
- Supplier and material qualification
- Customer and technical requirements
- Verification of changes to packaging materials or manufacturing processes
Importantly, simply identifying a plastic as “food grade” does not replace the need to consider the finished packaging, intended food and conditions of use.
When Should You Consider Migration Testing?
Migration testing may be relevant for manufacturers, importers and suppliers of:
- Plastic food containers and takeaway packaging
- Cups, bottles and lids
- Plastic bags and films
- Food pouches and wrappers
- Microwaveable food packaging
- Hot-food and hot-beverage packaging
- Other food-contact plastic materials
If your packaging will be exposed to high temperatures, fatty or acidic foods, or prolonged contact, it is particularly important to establish that the material is suitable for the intended application.
Laboratory Plastic Migration Testing
Our laboratory provides plastic migration testing for food-contact packaging materials, helping businesses obtain objective laboratory data to support food safety and compliance requirements.
Not sure which test is appropriate for your packaging?
Provide details such as the plastic material, type of food or beverage, contact temperature, contact duration and intended application. Our laboratory team can assist in identifying the appropriate testing requirements for your product.
Ensure your food packaging is tested for its intended use — because food-contact safety should be supported by evidence.
References:
Singapore Food Agency (SFA). Safe Use of Plastic Food Packaging.
Singapore Food Agency (SFA). Plastic Bags for Takeaway Hot Beverages Regulated for Safety.