Test Methodology
Standardized testing guidelines for plastic materials establish the analytical framework needed to measure specific substances that transfer from packaging into food. The standard en 13130 1 provides the primary guidance for selecting appropriate exposure conditions and food simulants. It outlines the general requirements for conducting migration tests on materials designed for food contact.
Analytical Protocol
Exposure tests must utilize liquid simulants that mimic the chemical characteristics of actual food categories. These simulants include distilled water for aqueous products, acetic acid for acidic foods, and vegetable oils for fatty substances. Laboratory technicians expose the plastic samples to these liquids under controlled temperatures to simulate storage and cooking.
Material Boundary
Migration limits define the maximum allowable concentration of a substance that can migrate into the food simulant. If the measured concentration exceeds this limit, the material fails to comply with safety regulations. This boundary is critical for monomer residues that could present health risks.
Practical Execution
Implementing these standardized procedures requires specialized gas chromatography or mass spectrometry equipment to detect trace chemical concentrations. Testing laboratories must be certified to run these specific analytical runs to ensure results are legally defensible. Accurate documentation of the sample preparation, exposure duration, temperature history, and analytical calibration must be maintained for regulatory inspections to prevent costly shipment rejections at international borders.
