Potential migration of heavy metals from food containers and health risk assessment

Overview

Kim and co-authors measured migration of nine heavy metals and metalloids (lead, cadmium, total arsenic, total mercury, antimony, tin, Ge, Co, Mn) from 120 disposable food containers (60 paper, 60 plastic) purchased from South Korean markets. Food simulants used were 4% acetic acid at 70 and 100 degrees C, and deionized water at 100 degrees C, with contact times ranging from 5 min to 2 days. Plastic containers included polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Health risk assessment was conducted for all analytes.

Key numbers

Antimony (antimony) migration in 4% acetic acid at 70 degrees C (5 to 60 min contact, micrograms/L):

Antimony in plastic containers was significantly higher than in paper containers at all time points (p = 0.000 by the study’s statistical test).

Antimony migration at 100 degrees C, 4% acetic acid (micrograms/L):

Plastic antimony migration at 100 degrees C was approximately 1000 times higher than paper at the same conditions.

Lead (lead) migration in 4% acetic acid at 70 degrees C (micrograms/L):

Lead was also significantly higher in plastic than paper at 70 degrees C (p = 0.000).

Health risk assessment (Table 3): All hazard indices for all analytes across all conditions were below 100% (the study’s threshold for harm). Highest hazard index values: lead in plastic at 70 degrees C (45 to 65%); antimony in plastic with deionized water (18 to 22%).

Methods (brief)

n = 120 disposable food containers (paper and plastic) from South Korean markets. Food simulants: 4% acetic acid (pH 4.5) and deionized water. Temperatures: 70 degrees C (5, 10, 15, 30, 60 min) and 100 degrees C (1 h, 2 h, 1 day, 2 days). Nine analytes measured by ICP-MS. No speciation for arsenic (As) (total arsenic) or mercury (total mercury). Health risk characterized as hazard index with WHO reference values.

Implications

The finding that antimony migration from plastic food containers is approximately 1000 times higher than from paper containers at boiling conditions has direct relevance to disposable container selection. The Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) standards for containers and packages are the applicable regulatory frame; EU and US food simulant standards differ in detail but address the same migration pathway.

Related evidence

• Plastic tubs
• Antimony
• Lead

Update history

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