Migration of selected contaminants (DEHA, DEHP and ethylene glycol) from PET bottles into Iranian yogurt drink during storage time
Chemical Product Design and Engineering (CPD&E)
Chemical Product Design & Engineering - Poster (CPD&E - P)
Keywords: migration, DEHA, DEHP, Ethylene glycol, crystallinity, Polyethyene terephthalate
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of packaging materials that is widely used for packaging of beverages and edible oils. It’s impermeability against gasses and vapors makes it qualified for packaging of carbonated beverages. A control campaign on PET bottles according to current legislation on food contact materials has been performed. In this study the migration of Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) and Ethylene Glycol from PET bottles into the Iranian yogurt drink was investigated. According to European Commission regulations Acetic acid (3% w/v) was chosen as stimulant. The acetic acid samples were stored at 4°C, 25°C and 45°C for 4 month and analyzed periodically by gas chromatography. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to investigate if contact with the food stimulant had affected the PET material. It was concluded that the storage temperature had a great effect on the migration of DEHP, DEHA and Ethylene glycol. No detectable migration occurred for the samples stored at refrigerator condition (4°C). Also increasing storage time resulted in higher concentrations of migrating substances. For both 25°C and 45°C the maximum limit of migration was seen after 70 days. Determination of Glass Transition (Tg) and crystallinity percent of PET bottles using DSC method showed that the changes in the concentration of migrating substances did not concern to PET material changes contacted with 3% acetic acid. The concentrations of migrating substances did not exceed of their specific migration limit (EEC regulations) but at undesired temperature of storage, at 45°C, and after 70 days the DEHP was approaching to European approved SML (3 ppm).
