Written by Maryam Saeed & Rajashree Chakravarti phenomenon
Important points:
- PFAS in food packaging poses health risks and faces increased regulation, including bans on certain materials by the FDA.
- Advanced testing methods can detect very low levels of PFAS, as migration from packaging to food is a primary concern.
- Industry trends favor PFAS-free alternatives. Manufacturers should consider adopting safer, biodegradable packaging options to stay ahead of regulations and address consumer concerns.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that are widely used in a variety of industries, including food packaging, due to their water- and oil-resistant properties. These persist in the environment and in humans, pose potential health risks, and have been identified through ongoing clinical research around the world. The presence of PFAS in food packaging has raised significant concerns about their migration into food and subsequent consumption by consumers.
To control PFAS levels, regulatory agencies have placed strict limits on PFAS levels in food packaging materials. Furthermore, advances in analytical techniques will improve the ability to measure PFAS in different matrices, ensuring better monitoring and control. Conversely, biodegradable and non-toxic coating innovations are being developed to provide the same functional benefits without the associated health risks.
introduction
PFAS are commonly found in food packaging materials such as microwave popcorn bags, fast food wrappers, and pizza boxes. Although these chemicals offer functional benefits, their persistence in the environment and human bodies poses serious health concerns. This review provides an overview of the analytical techniques employed in recent studies to quantify PFAS, as well as the main drawbacks of their inclusion in food contact materials (FCM) and food packaging.
Commercial applications in PFAS and food packaging/food contact materials (FCM)
PFAS are widely incorporated into coatings; Incorporated into consumer and industrial applications Due to the chemical nature of nonstick pans, fabrics, paper, firefighting foam, etc. Repels water, oil and dirt. Because of their strong carbon and fluorine bonds, PFAS are chemically stable and highly resistant to biological and chemical degradation. This makes it ideal for use in food packaging production, with benefits such as resistance to thermal degradation, grease and moisture absorption.
With new discoveries about the negative health and environmental effects of PFAS, innovations in the food packaging industry continue to use paper and plant-based alternative materials to increase biodegradability. Paper and cardboard FCMs are one of the most common PFAS applications and provide non-stick coatings. Commercially available item Paper-based FCM products Microwave-safe popcorn bags, disposable paper plates, fast food packaging.
Food safety concerns and regulations
To reduce health risks, several global regulations have been enacted to protect the environment and population from traditional and novel PFA compounds. PFAS are ubiquitous in the environment and are present in water, soil, biosolids, and dust because they degrade slowly over time. Found in epidemiological research Relevance to human exposure Long-chain perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFOS) Widespread health effects.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) also presented a risk assessment and raised public health concerns about PFAS-contaminated food. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Banning the sale of paper-based and cardboard-based FCMs containing PFAS Used in the US market for oil resistance. This decision addresses the food safety concerns that PFAS does. Transition from packaging to foodleading to dietary exposure by consumers. Migration tests are conducted to measure PFAS levels under controlled conditions, and factors such as storage temperature, moisture, contact time, food composition, and packaging material properties influence the results. the european union Migration testing regulations Plastic FCM, similar Guidelines for paper-based FCM are currently lacking.
PFAS testing in food matrices, FCM, and food packaging
Migration testing for PFAS in food packaging is performed using advanced analytical techniques that can measure the extent to which these chemicals migrate from packaging materials into food. Currently, liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is widely used as a highly sensitive instrument for the separation and detection of PFAS at parts per billion (ppb) levels. Masu. Specific analyte lists and methods are available. regulatory authority. PFAS analysis via LC-MS/MS involves sample preparation followed by targeted and untargeted approaches to detect and quantify the analytes of interest.
Sample preparation
Analyzing food, packaging, and FCM samples requires extensive sample preparation, including sample extraction using dispersive solid-phase extraction (dSPE) of complex matrices. PFAS-specific extraction using weak anion exchange media and graphitized carbon black ensures that ionizable samples can be injected and successfully analyzed with recovery, precision, and precision parameters. The researchers are adopted the protocol FCM samples are cut to comparable dimensions, weighed, and extracted. organic solvent Before sonication. Real food samples have different matrices and PFAS compounds and therefore require different processing protocols. Because PFAS are ubiquitous, lab consumables used in these steps, such as centrifuge tubes, SPE cartridges, HPLC vials/caps, and syringe filters, must be PFAS-free to avoid PFAS contamination or false positive results. Must be suitable for analysis.
analytical test
Liquid chromatography and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-QqQ) or liquid chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF) are widely used due to their sensitivity and selectivity in detecting low PFAS levels. I am. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with negative mode electrospray ionization (ESI) is used to reduce background noise. Gas chromatography with chemical ionization mass spectrometry (GC/CI-MS) Determination of volatile PFAS compounds and fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOH). for Non-targeted PFAS screeningliquid chromatography combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) employed to identify PFAS compounds migrated to food irritants.
The LC separation is performed on a reversed-phase C18 column and utilizes gradient conditions. Furthermore, it is essential to use a delay column before injection to minimize background interference from contaminants. To accurately detect and quantify low PFAS levels in samples, system components (such as tubing, column connectors, and HPLC solvent inlets) must be free of potential sources of PFAS contamination.
Biomonitoring of PFAS
PFAS biomonitoring involves measuring PFAS levels in biological samples (blood or urine) to assess human exposure to PFAS. Because sources of PFAS include drinking water, food, and food packaging, the field of managing and raising awareness of PFAS impacts is growing. The testing technique is very similar to that described for PFAS in FCM and packaging, with some modifications to make it suitable for biological samples.
conclusion
There is growing concern about PFAS contamination from packaging to food. Current technology can measure trace detection of PFAS in paper-based FCMs and liquid food irritants. However, research to identify the mechanisms by which PFAS enter food is still ongoing. Although details are not yet clear, it is estimated that stricter guidelines and increased testing will be implemented in the future to reduce PFAS levels and associated environmental impacts.
Since joining Phenomenex in 2023, Maryam Sayeed has focused on expanding chromatography product and consumable solutions designed for the food and environmental markets. Maryam has nine years of experience in the food and beverage industry, including hands-on experience in HPLC analysis.
Rajashree Chakravarti is a Global Product Manager at Phenomenex, where she specializes in small molecule chemistry, synthesis and functionalization of porous materials, analytical method development, and clinical assays in the highly regulated environments required in vitro. He has over 10 years of extensive hands-on experience in development. Diagnostics (IVD) industry.
