Migration of a UV stabilizer from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into food simulants

Food Addit Contam. 2004 Oct;21(10):1007-14. doi: 10.1080/02652030400010447.

Abstract

The migration characteristics of the UV stabilizer Tinuvin 234 (2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-bis (1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)phenol) into food simulants has been measured from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using HPLC with UV detection. Ethanol/ water, isooctane and a fractionated coconut oil simulant (Miglyol) were used as food simulating solvents. The migration characteristics were measured at temperatures in the range of 40-70 degrees C. Diffusion coefficients were determined to be in the range of 1 x 10(-14) cm2 s(-1) to 1 x 10(-18) cm2 s(-1). At 40 degrees C, the amount of migration into 95% ethanol after 10 days was 2 microg dm(-2). Isooctane is determined to be a good fatty food simulant that provides similar results for PET to those of fatty foods.

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Diffusion
  • Food Contamination / analysis*
  • Food Packaging*
  • Humans
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates / chemistry*
  • Temperature
  • Triazoles / chemistry
  • Ultraviolet Rays*

Substances

  • Polyethylene Terephthalates
  • Triazoles
  • tinuvin