FOOD CONTACT MATERIAL SUITABILITY TESTING
Food safety is a fundamental priority to ensure that materials used in food production, packaging, and storage do not compromise consumer health. One of the main concerns is the migration of substances from materials in contact with food, which could alter its quality and safety. Certifying the suitability of materials for food contact is therefore essential for the food industry, the catering sector, and packaging manufacturers. In this context, APM Torino offers a range of specialized services for the analysis of overall and specific migration of potentially hazardous substances such as metals, amines, and dyes.
PACKAGING TESTING: FOOD CONTACT MATERIAL COMPLIANCE IN TURIN
Materials that come into contact with food, such as packaging, kitchen utensils, containers, and processing surfaces, must meet specific regulatory and safety requirements to prevent unwanted substances from migrating into food. European regulations, such as Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004, establish that food contact materials must not pose health risks and must preserve the organoleptic properties of food. The suitability of a material for food contact is verified through migration tests, which determine whether and to what extent materials release chemical substances into food.
The compliance of food contact materials also depends on their chemical composition and reactivity with specific food types. For this reason, migration tests are essential to ensure that materials meet safety standards, comply with national and international regulations, and are safe for use in the food industry.
GLOBAL AND SPECIFIC MIGRATION TESTING
Migration testing is one of the primary tools used to assess the suitability of materials for food contact. These tests are divided into two main categories: global migration and specific migration.
GLOBAL MIGRATION TEST
The global migration test measures the total amount of substances migrating from a food contact material when immersed in a solvent (typically a food simulant) at a controlled temperature. This test is designed to determine whether the material releases an acceptable amount of chemical substances that could compromise food safety. The results are expressed in milligrams of migrated substance per square decimeter of the examined material’s surface.
Global migration testing is a crucial step in evaluating the safety of materials such as plastic, glass, paper, metals, and composites.
SPECIFIC MIGRATION TEST: Metals, Amines, Dyes
In addition to global migration, specific migration tests focus on particular chemical substances that may transfer from materials into food. These include:
- Heavy Metals: Lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, manganese, nickel, and other metals can be released from metallic materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or metal alloys. Specific tests for heavy metals ensure that their migration levels remain below the safety limits established by regulations.
- Aromatic Amines: Certain materials, such as resins and coatings, may contain aromatic amines, which can be harmful if they migrate into food. Testing for aromatic amines is necessary to prevent contamination with these potentially carcinogenic substances.
- Dyes: The use of dyes in plastics and packaging materials must be regulated to prevent food contamination. Specific migration tests for dyes verify that these compounds do not transfer from packaging to food.
These specialized tests are essential for compliance with food safety regulations and ensuring that finished products are safe for consumption.
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF STAINLESS STEELS
Another crucial aspect of migration testing involves the analysis of stainless steels, which are widely used in food preparation equipment such as utensils, cookware, knives, and work surfaces. Stainless steels are valued for their corrosion resistance and durability, but they must be tested to ensure they do not release harmful substances into the food they come into contact with.
Stainless Steel Chemical Analysis Includes:
- Composition Analysis: Ensuring the material does not contain impurities that could migrate into food.
- Migration Testing: Determining whether stainless steel releases metals or other substances that might affect food quality.
- Corrosion Resistance Testing: Verifying that materials remain intact and do not degrade in food-related environments.
These tests are essential to guarantee that stainless steels used in food processing equipment meet safety standards and do not compromise food safety.
Contact Us for More Information
APM Torino is a highly specialized analytical laboratory offering a wide range of services to ensure food safety through precise testing of food-contact materials. Our global and specific migration analyses provide a comprehensive evaluation of materials used in the food industry, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
With state-of-the-art instrumentation and cutting-edge analytical techniques, APM Torino is the ideal partner for companies looking to ensure that their materials, utensils, and food packaging are safe and suitable for food contact.
Contact us today for more information about our chemical analysis services and migration testing!