Migration from plasticized films into foods. 2. Migration of di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)adipate from PVC films used for retail food packaging

Abstract

A UK survey of di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA) levels in retail foods (83 samples) wrapped in plasticized PVC film has been carried out, examining a wide range of different food types obtained from retail and take‐away outlets. Foodstuffs analysed included fresh meat and poultry, ready‐cooked poultry, cheese, fruit, vegetables and baked goods such as cakes, bread rolls and sandwiches. Analysis by stable isotope dilution GC/MS showed DEHA levels ranging from 1.0 to 72.8mg/kg in uncooked meat and poultry, 9.4 to 48.6mg/kg in cooked chicken portions, 27.8 to 135.0 mg/kg in cheese, <2.0mg/kg in fruit and vegetables and 11 to 212 mg/kg in baked goods and sandwiches. The level of DEHA migration correlated with the extent of contact between the film and exposed fatty portions of the food, whether that was the mayonnaise rilling of a sandwich or the surface fat from a joint of uncooked meat. The level of DEHA in meat exposed to plasticized film was not reduced significantly by volatilization or chemical transformation on subsequent cooking by grilling or frying.