In the food packaging sector, food safety is an undeniable priority. Packaging must not only preserve the food but also ensure that no contamination occurs that could affect the consumer’s health. This is where migration tests come into play: a fundamental process to ensure that the materials used in food packaging do not transfer undesirable substances to the food.
What is a migration test?
A migration test evaluates the behaviour of materials in direct contact with food to determine whether any of their components might migrate into the packaged product. This type of test is essential for guaranteeing food safety, as it aims to prevent accidental contamination that could occur due to the transfer of chemicals from the packaging to the food.
There are two main types of migration tests:
- Global migration: This type of test measures the total amount of substances that migrate from the packaging to the food under simulated real-use conditions. Global migration determines whether the material releases substances at acceptable levels according to established regulations.
- Specific migration: This test focuses on identifying specific compounds, such as additives or monomers, that could be harmful if transferred in concentrations above the permitted limits. In this way, it ensures that no chemical component migrates to the food at levels that could endanger consumer health.
Applicable regulations
Migration tests in food packaging are governed by a series of international regulations that ensure compliance with high food safety standards. In Europe, the main regulation is Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011, which sets specific requirements for plastic materials intended to come into contact with food.
This regulation establishes limits for both global and specific migration and also specifies the food simulants to be used during tests to replicate actual contact conditions. Additionally, the tests are conducted under strict conditions of temperature and time, replicating scenarios such as ambient storage or cooking.
At an international level, other regulations, such as those established by the FDA in the United States, also govern the migration of substances from packaging into food. Companies exporting to multiple markets must comply with the regulations of each region to ensure their products are safe in any country.
Impact on quality
The impact of migration tests in the food industry is significant. These tests ensure that packaging not only protects food from external factors such as moisture or microorganisms but also from potential contaminants derived from the packaging materials themselves.
Safe packaging is crucial for maintaining food quality, as the migration of substances can alter its organoleptic properties (taste, smell, texture) and reduce its shelf life.
Migration tests are fundamental in guaranteeing food safety and packaging quality, ensuring that they do not transfer undesirable substances to the food. These tests are mandatory in Europe and allow companies to protect consumer health and maintain product integrity throughout its shelf life, reinforcing trust in packaged food.
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