Compilation of analytical methods and guidelines for the determination of selected model migrants from plastic packaging

Reference plastics as well as model migrants of different chemical and physical properties have been selected to carry out a review regarding the analytical techniques available for their determination. On the basis of their representativeness and their relevance for food contact materials, Irganox 1076 (R), diphenylbutadiene, Chimassorb 81 (R), Uvitex OB (R), caprolactam, benzophenone, diphenyl phthalate and his (2-diethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) have been selected for this study. Available literature on analytical methods in polymers, food simulants and foodstuffs was reviewed in detail, although most of the times it was scarce, and more information was found on analysis of simulants and polymers than on food analysis. General guidelines for the determination of the selected migrants in foods were suggested and discussed taking into account all the properties of each molecule.