Estimates of dietary exposure of Spanish population to packaging contaminants from cereal based foods contained in plastic materials

Plasticizer acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC) induces lipogenesis and obesity

Environmental chemicals, such as plasticizers, have been linked to increased rates of obesity, according to epidemiological studies. Acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC) is a plasticizer that is commonly utilized in pharmaceutical products and food packaging as a non-phthalate alternative. Due to its direct contact with the human body and high leakage rate from the polymers, assessment of the potential risk of ATEC exposure at environmentally relevant low doses to human health is needed. Male C57BL/6 J mice were fed diets containing ATEC at doses of either 0.1 or 10 μg/kg per day in a period of 12 weeks to mimic the real exposure environment. The findings suggest that in C57BL/6 J mice, ATEC exposure resulted in increased body weight gain, body fat percentage, and benign hepatocytes, as well as adipocyte size. Consistent with in vivo models, ATEC treatment obviously stimulated the increase of intracellular lipid load in both mouse and human hepatocytes. Mechanically, ATEC induced the transcriptional expression of genes involved in de novo lipogenesis and lipid uptake. Using both enzyme inhibitor and small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection, we found that stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) played a significant role in ATEC-induced intracellular lipid accumulation. This study for the first time provided initial evidence suggesting the obesogenic and fatty liver-inducing effect of ATEC at low doses near human exposure levels, and ATEC might be a potential environmental obesogen and its effect on human health need to be further evaluated.

Accumulation and release of organic pollutants by conventional and biodegradable microplastics in the marine environment

The issue of microplastic (MP) litter in the aquatic environment and its capability of accumulating and/or releasing pollutants has been brought to light in recent years. Biodegradable plastics have been proposed as one of the different solutions to decrease environmental input of discarded plastics; however, their ability to accumulate and release pollutants once in the marine environment has not been assessed yet. In this study, we compare the accumulation and the release of a wide range of compounds by biodegradable (polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS)) and conventional (polyethylene (PE)) MPs following exposure to natural seawater for 64 days. We quantified polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organophosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), phthalates, and alternative plasticizers in MPs, before and after exposure. Results indicated that PBS- and PHA-MPs accumulated the largest amount of PAHs and PFRs, respectively. Leaching of PFRs and plasticizers was observed for all polymers and was approximately twofold greater for PE- when compared to PBS- and PHA-MPs. Overall, our study suggests that biodegradable MPs may release less additives and accumulate a larger amount of contaminants from seawater compared to conventional ones: these findings may have implications on the risk assessment of biodegradable polymers for marine biota; and on potential widespread adoption of these types of plastics.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Persistent Organic Pollutants in Infant Formulas and Baby Food: Legislation and Risk Assessments

Human milk is the healthiest option for newborns, although, under specific circumstances, infant formula is a precious alternative for feeding the baby. Except for the nutritional content, infant formulas and baby food must be pollutant-free. Thus, their composition is controlled by continuous monitoring and regulated by establishing upper limits and guideline values for safe exposure. Legislation differs worldwide, although there are standard policies and strategies for protecting vulnerable infants. This work presents current regulations and directives for restricting endocrine-disrupting chemicals and persistent organic pollutants in infant formulas. Risk assessment studies, which are limited, are necessary to depict exposure variations and assess the health risks for infants from dietary exposure to pollutants.

Microplastics and plastics-associated contaminants in food and beverages; Global trends, concentrations, and human exposure

Microplastics has become a global concern due to their ubiquitous presence which poses unavoidable human exposure risks. Geographical distribution and yearly trends of research on microplastics, food, and beverages do not exist. Thus, no overall account is available regarding the presence of microplastics and plastics-associated contaminants in food and beverages. Hence, this attempt is to review the geographical distribution of studies through a brief bibliometric analysis and the plastics-associated contaminants including plasticizers and microplastics in food and beverages. Estimated microplastic consumption has been listed for the pool of publications reviewed here. Further, this review discusses the ingestion potency of micropollutants associated with microplastics, possible health impacts, and existing challenges. Global trend in research exponentially increased after 2018 and China is leading. Studies on microplastics were limited to a few beverages and food; milk, beer, tea, refreshing drinks, salt, sugar, honey, etc., whereas seafood and drinking water have been extensively studied. Publications on plastic-additives were reported in two ways; migration of plastic-additives from packaging by leaching and the presence of plastic-additives in food and beverages. Bisphenol A and bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate were the most frequently reported both in food and beverages. Exposure of packaging material to high temperatures predominantly involves plastic-additive contamination in food and beverages. Microplastics-bound micropollutants can also be ingested through food and beverages; however, a lack of knowledge exists. The complex matrix of food or beverages and the absence of standard procedures for analysis of microplastics and micropollutants exist as challenges. More investigations on the presence of microplastics and plastic-additives in food and beverage are urgent needs to a better assessment of potential human exposure and human health risk.

Emerging Plasticizers in South China House Dust and Hand Wipes: Calling for Potential Concern?

Following regulations on legacy plasticizers, a large variety of industrial chemicals have been employed as substitutes to manufacture consumer products. However, knowledge remains limited on their environmental distributions, fate, and human exposure risks. In the present work, we screened for a total of 34 emerging plasticizers in house dust from South China and matched hand wipes collected from volunteers (n = 49 pairs). The results revealed a frequent detection of 27 emerging plasticizers in house dust, with the total concentrations reaching a median level of 106 700 ng/g. Thirteen of them had never been investigated by any environmental studies prior to our work, which included glycerol monooleate (median: 61 600 ng/g), methyl oleate (16 400 ng/g), butyl oleate (411 ng/g), 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate (341 ng/g), 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate (105 ng/g), isopropyl myristate (154 ng/g), di(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate (69.1 ng/g), triisononyl trimellitate (64.4 ng/g), as well as a few others. Emerging plasticizers were also frequently detected in hand wipes, with a median total level of 4680 ng, indicating potential exposure via hand-to-mouth contact. Several chemicals, including acetyl tributyl citrate, tributyl citrate, di-n-butyl maleate, isopropyl myristate, and isopropyl palmitate, exhibited significant correlations between dust and hand wipe. However, other plasticizers did not follow this pattern, and the chemical compositional profiles differed between dust and hand wipe, suggesting chemical-specific sources and exposure pathways. Although the estimation of daily intake (EDI) indicated no substantial risks through dust ingestion or hand-to-mouth transfer of emerging plasticizers, continuous monitoring is needed to explore whether some of the important plasticizers are safe replacements or regrettable substitutions of the legacy ones.

Non-permanent primary food packaging materials assessment: Identification, migration, toxicity, and consumption of substances

Almost all processed food comes packaged in either plastic, glass, metal, or paper and paperboard materials, and many packaging materials are disposed of after a single use (linear economy). Based on the concept of a circular economy, the recycling of food packaging materials has become one of the main targets for industries and regulators around the world. However, recycling presents particular challenges, mainly related to the recycled material composition, which determines its reusability, application, functionality, and chemical safety. In this latter matter, it has been demonstrated that the use of recycled food packaging materials increases the number and possible sources of substances that could be present in the packaging material, which is of concern as substances that can migrate into food and cause health hazards upon consumption. This review compiles information regarding substances detected in non-permanent food packaging materials, focusing mainly on plastics, paper, and paperboards. The compilation of literature studies (110 research articles) on the presence of intentionally added substances (IAS) and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in food packaging materials, their migration, toxicity, and dietary exposure has been summarized, evaluated, and discussed. In addition, current sustainable food packaging trends have been mentioned. Finally, approaches to reduce the presence, migration, and potential exposure to substances that have migrated from packaging materials into food have been reviewed.

Estimation of multi-route exposures to various chemicals during Children's clay toy use

Clay toys have been used as play materials and educational tools for children. Clay toys exhibit adherent properties, and may facilitate chemical ingestion via dermal absorption and oral (hand-to-mouth, HTM) exposures. Inhalation exposure also be considered when contain volatile chemicals. The purpose of this study was to estimate the exposure dose for chemicals in clay toys via three exposure routes, and to evaluate the relationship between the exposure contribution of each route considering both the chemical properties and children's age. Chemical analysis was conducted for 9 semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), 17 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and 7 metal elements in clay toys (n = 66) purchased from Korean market. Exposure factors for usage pattern of clay toys were conducted based on a nationally representative survey in Korea. A total of 12,144 (60.7%) children responded positively to playing with clay toys. Exposure to SVOCs and VOCs in clay toys via HTM, inhalation, and dermal absorption were estimated. The exposure level was the highest in styrene with 5.2 × 10^-3 mg/kg-bw/day (95th percentile population), which was approximately 13% of the acceptable daily dose for styrene. In 3-year-old children, dermal absorption route contributed the highest at 59.2-100%. Chemicals with higher octanol-water partition coefficient (K_ow) had the greater the contribution of the dermal absorption route and the weaker the contribution of the HTM route. In infants (0-2 years), the contribution via HTM exposure was higher than that in the other age groups. The contribution of inhalation exposure differed depending on the volatility of the chemicals. Furthermore, the exposure route contribution significantly differed due to age-dependent behavioral changes in children. These results suggest that the exposure assessments for children could be considered with multiple exposure routes related to chemical properties.

Release of Selected Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS) from PET Food Contact Materials: A New Online SPE-UHPLC-MS/MS Multiresidue Method

Food contact materials (FCMs) are an underestimated source of food chemical contaminants and a potentially relevant route of human exposure to chemicals that are harmful to the endocrine system. Foods and water are the main sources of exposure due to contact with the packaging materials, often of polymeric nature. European Regulation 10/2011 requires migration tests on FCMs and foodstuffs to evaluate the presence of listed substances (authorized monomers and additives) and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) not listed in the regulation and not subjected to restrictions. The tests are required to ensure the compliance of packaging materials for the contained foods. NIAS are a heterogeneous group of substances classified with a potential estrogenic or androgenic activity. Subsequently, the evaluation of the presence of these molecules in foods and water is significant. Here we present an online SPE/UHPLC-tandem MS method to quantify trace levels of NIAS in food simulants (A: aqueous 3% acetic acid; B: aqueous 20% ethanol) contained in PET preformed bottles. The use of online SPE reduces systemic errors thanks to the automation of the technique. For the developed analytical method, we evaluate the limit of detection (LOD), the limit of quantitation (LOQ), selectivity, RSD% and BIAS% for LLOQ for a total of twelve NIAS, including monomers, antioxidants, UV-filters and additives. LOD ranged between 0.002 µg/L for bisphenol S and 13.6 µg/L for 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT). LOQs are comprised between 0.01 µg/L for bisphenol S and 42.2 µg/L for BHT. The online-SPE/UHPLC-tandem MS method is applied to the food simulants contained in several types of PET packaging materials to evaluate the migration of the selected NIAS. The results show the presence (µg/L) of NIAS in the tested samples, underlining the need for a new regulation for these potentially toxic molecules.

Suspect screening of exogenous compounds using multiple reaction screening (MRM) profiling in human urine samples

Thousands of chemical compounds produced by industry are dispersed in the human environment widely enough to reach the world population, and the introduction of new chemicals constantly occurs. As new synthetic molecules emerge, rapid analytical workflows for screening possible presence of exogenous compounds in biofluids can be useful as a first pass analysis to detect chemical exposure and guide the development and application of more elaborate LC-MS/MS methods for quantification. In this study, a suspect screening workflow using the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) profiling method is proposed as a first pass exploratory technique to survey selected exogenous molecules in human urine samples. The workflow was applied to investigate 12 human urine samples using 310 MRMs related to the chemical functionalities of 87 exogenous compounds present in the METLIN database and reported in the literature. A total of 11 MRMs associated with five different compounds were detected in the samples. Product ion scans for the precursor ions of the selected MRMs were acquired as a further identification step for these chemicals. The suspect screening results suggested the presence of five exogenous compounds in the human urine samples analyzed, namely metformin, metoprolol, acetaminophen, paraxanthine and acrylamide. LC-MS/MS was applied as a last step to confirm these results, and the presence of four out of the five targets selected by MRM profiling were corroborated, indicating that this workflow can support the selection of suspect compounds to screen complex samples and guide more time-consuming and specific quantification analyses.

Comprehensively screening of citric acid ester (CAE) plasticizers in Chinese foodstuffs, and the food-based assessment of human exposure risk of CAEs

An increasing number of studies on the toxicities of citric acid esters (CAEs)-a class of so-called "safe" alternative plasticizers-have highlighted the urgent need to understand their contamination profiles in foodstuffs and the corresponding potential risks to human health. This study determined the concentrations of 8 target CAEs in 105 foodstuff samples, grouped into 6 food categories, collected from Nanjing City, China, in 2020. All eight CAEs were detected in at least one of the analyzed samples and had detection frequencies (DFs) of 5-47%. The DFs and distribution profiles of the target CAEs varied among different food categories; for example, cereals had the highest DF (92%), while meat/fish contained the highest mean total concentration of CAEs (8.35 ng/g wet weight (ww)). Among the target CAEs, acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) had the highest DF (47%), and tributyl citrate (TBC) exhibited the highest mean concentration (1.24 ng/g ww). Based on the food ingestion route, the estimated total daily intake (EDI) values of the target CAEs for adults under average- and high-exposure scenarios were 38.3 ng/kg of body weight (bw) and 111 ng/kg bw, respectively, which were attributed to the high percentage contributions of TBC (50.6%) and ATBC (23.7%). In addition, a suspect and characteristic fragment-dependent screening strategy was applied to the foodstuff data, and a novel CAE, monoethyl citrate (MEC, CAS: 4552-00-5), with a DF of 34% was tentatively identified. Overall, this study provides novel and comprehensive information regarding the pollution status of CAEs in foodstuffs.

Characterization of Polyester Coatings Intended for Food Contact by Different Analytical Techniques and Migration Testing by LC-MSn

Polymeric coating formulations may contain different components such as cross-linking agents, resins, lubricants, and solvents, among others. If the reaction process or curing conditions are not applied in a proper way, these components may remain unreacted in the polymeric network and could be released and migrate into foods. In this study, several polyester coatings intended for food contact were investigated. Firstly, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with an attenuated total reflectance (ATR-FTIR) spectrometer and confocal Raman microscopy were used to identify the type of coating. Then, different techniques, including gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), among others, were used to investigate the potential volatile and non-volatile migrants. Moreover, migration assays were carried out to evaluate the presence of monomers and to tentatively identify possible oligomers below 1000 Da. The analyses were performed by liquid chromatography coupled to ion trap mass spectrometry (LC-MSⁿ). Using the information collected from each analytical technique, it was possible to elucidate some of the starting substances used in the formulation of the polyester coatings analyzed in this study. In migration tests, several polyester oligomers were tentatively identified for which there is not toxicological data available and, therefore, no migration limits established to date.

Development of a high-performance liquid chromatography method to assess bisphenol F levels in milk

Bisphenol F (BPF) is a bisphenol A (BPA) analogue. As an endocrine disruptor, BPF shows a similar BPA hormonal activity and greater endocrine effects. To assess BPF levels in milk a selective method based on solvent extraction with acetonitrile, solid-phase extraction (SPE), high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD) system, was developed. The method showed high recovery values (from 97.60 to 107.16%), and good detection and quantification limits (LOD=0.03 μg/L; LOQ=0.1 μg/L). To validate the analytical method, quantitative analyses of n.20 milk samples of whole milk were preliminarily carried out applying a monitoring system based on the control of different stages of pasteurized whole milk processing at a dairy company. The proposed method is simple, sensitive, and might be suitable to detect BPF residues in milk processing. At the dairy company, the occurrence of BPF levels ranging from Collapse

Key Words

• Bisphenol F
• High-performance liquid chromatography method
• Milk

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MESH Headings Collapse

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Affiliation(s)

Serena Santonicola Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso
Maria Carmela Ferrante Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples, Italy
Giampaolo Colavita Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso
Raffaelina Mercogliano Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples, Italy

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Plastics contamination of store-bought rice

This study investigated mass concentrations of selected plastics in store-bought rice, the staple of more than half the world's population. Polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, poly-(methyl methacrylate), polypropylene, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride were quantified using pressurized liquid extraction coupled to double-shot pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Polyethylene, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate were quantifiable in the rice samples with polyethylene the most frequently detected (95%). There was no statistical difference between total plastic concentration in paper and plastic packaged rice. Shaking the rice in its packaging had no significant difference on the concentration of plastics. Washing the rice with water significantly reduced plastic contamination. Instant (pre-cooked) rice contained fourfold higher levels of plastics, suggesting that industrial processing potentially increases contamination. A preliminary estimate of the intake of plastic through rice consumption for Australians established 3.7 mg per serve (100 g) if not washed and 2.8 mg if washed. Annual consumption was estimated around 1 g/person.

Occurrence, patterns, and sources of hazardous organic chemicals in edible insects and insect-based food from the Japanese market

Due to the growth of the world's population, edible insects have been considered a valuable alternative food source for humans. Japan has a long-lasting traditional culture of eating wild insects, a practice that has recently evolved towards farming and selling reared edible insects. In this study, we investigated the contamination loads, profiles, and possible sources of organophosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), plasticizers, and selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in insect foods available on the Japanese market. Medians of selected POPs in the dataset were up to 1.3 ng/g lw, while medians of PFRs and plasticizers were 12 and 486 ng/g ww, respectively. CB-153, p,p'-DDE, BDE-47, tris(1-chloro-2-propyl)-phosphate (TCIPP), and bis(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) were the dominant compounds in the analyzed samples, a pattern comparable to previous investigations on organic chemicals in edible insects. Our overall results suggest that POPs were likely accumulated by the insects during rearing or from the wild environment, while PFRs and plasticizers derived from post-harvesting industrial handling and seasoning. Differences in pollution patterns and the absence of correlations between PFR and plasticizer loads in insects and in food packaging suggest that the transfer of contaminants from food contact materials is not a main source of contamination.

Migration of food contact substances into dry foods: A review

A comprehensive review of the literature was performed on migration of substances from packaging materials into dry foods, specifically those with surfaces containing no free fats or oils. Historically, migration from food packaging to dry foods has been assumed to be minimal. However, several recent publications have reported concentrations of migrants into dry foods that are substantially higher than anticipated. The goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of recent studies that examined migration to dry foods or dry food simulants, observe and assess common migrants, and report the highest migration values. Focusing on the packaging materials and migrants that exhibit the highest migration values, this review divided the studies into two categories: 1) analysis of food products in commercial packaging taken directly from grocery store shelves, and 2) analysis of food products and food simulants in contact with packaging or other material fortified with known quantities of a migrant. Discussions include the examination of migration testing methods, viability of different food simulants, and variables that affect migration behaviour. These include the physicochemical properties of both the migrant and food (i.e. volatility, molecular size, structure, food composition and particle size) and factors pertaining to the packaging material and the environment (i.e. temperature, humidity, and the presence of a secondary barrier). Information gaps and remaining questions are also identified and discussed.

Prevalent phthalates in air-soil-vegetable systems of plastic greenhouses in a subtropical city and health risk assessments

Wide use of plastic greenhouses for vegetable production increases human exposure to phthalate (PAEs) through vegetable intake. However, little information is available about distribution of PAEs in air-soil-vegetable systems of plastic greenhouses and PAE estrogenic effects. This study was designed to investigate PAE distributions and corresponding health risk in plastic greenhouses in Guangzhou, a subtropical city in South China. PAEs were prevalent in plastic greenhouses, with sum concentrations of 16 PAE compounds (∑16PAEs) up to 5.76 mg/kg in soils, 5.27 mg/kg in vegetables and 4393 ng/m³ in air. Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, di-isobutyl phthalate, and dibutyl phthalate were predominant compounds. Average concentrations and bioconcentration factor of ∑16PAEs and the predominant PAE compounds in vegetables of greenhouses were higher than those of open fields. Plastic greenhouses exhibited significantly higher air PAE levels than those of open fields due to higher indoor temperature, which enhanced PAE accumulation by vegetables. Both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of PAEs via dietary and non-dietary exposures for farmers decreased with an order of vegetable > air > soil. Consumption of vegetables from greenhouses resulted in significantly higher estrogenic effects compared to those from open field cultivation. This study emphasizes highly potential health risks of PAEs in air-soil-vegetable systems of plastic greenhouses.

Dietary Exposure Estimation to Chemicals Transferred from Milk and Dairy Products Packaging Materials in Spanish Child and Adolescent Population

Packaging materials are subject to risk assessment since they can transfer their components to the food, and they may constitute a risk for the consumers' health. Therefore, estimating the exposure to chemicals migrating from packaging is required. In this study, a novel approach based on a total diet study (TDS)-like investigation to evaluate the exposure to chemicals transferred from the packaging was presented. The proposed methodology involved a non-targeted gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method to identify potential migrants and the determination of the migrants in composite food samples. The method was applied to evaluate the dietary exposure to chemicals from food packaging materials used for milk and dairy products in the Spanish child and adolescent populations. Several migrants identified in packaging materials were selected to determine their concentration in composite food samples. These chemicals included diethyl phthalate (DEP), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), bis(2ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), benzophenone (BP), 1,3-diphenylpropane (1,3-DPP), and bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT). The method exhibited a good sensitivity (limit of detection, LOD ≤ 0.05 µg/g) and a satisfactory recovery (78.4-124%). Finally, the exposure was estimated using the Spanish national dietary survey ENALIA. Phthalates DBP and DEHP showed the highest mean exposure, ranging from 2.42 (10-17 years)-4.40 (12-35 months) and 1.35 (10-17 years)-4.07 (12-35 months) µg/kg bw/day for DBP and DEHP, respectively.

The Marine Plastic Litter Issue: A Social-Economic Analysis

The issue of marine plastic litter pollution is multifaceted, cross-sectoral, and ongoing in the absence of appropriate management measures. This study analysed the issue of marine plastic litter pollution in the context of the Descriptor 10 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and Good Environmental Status of the oceans and seas. The Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework was used to assess the causes, effects, and management measures to changes in the marine environment resulting from marine plastics pollution. We noted that less than 10 peer-reviewed publications have applied the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model to the issue of marine plastics pollution. Some basic needs such as food security, movement of goods and services, and shelter are also some of the major drivers of marine plastic pollution. The use of plastics is linked to multiple economic sectors (fisheries, agriculture, transport, packaging, construction) and other human activities. A significant amount of the resulting pressures came from the economic sectors for packaging and construction. State changes occurred at the environmental (contamination and bioaccumulation), ecosystem (ingestion of plastics, ghost fishing) and ecosystem service levels (supply of sea food, salt and cultural benefits), with possible loss of jobs and income being some of the observed impacts on human welfare. Responses as management measures, which are tailored to meet each component of the DPSIR framework, were identified. These included policies, regulations, technological advancement and behavioural change. The research acknowledges the issue of marine plastics pollution as a global environmental problem and recommends a trans-disciplinary approach, involving all types of stakeholders. Future research and analysis applying the DPSIR framework will be useful to provide the information necessary for the effective, adaptive management of litter pollution by marine plastics.

Estimation of Dietary Exposure to Contaminants Transferred from the Packaging in Fatty Dry Foods Based on Cereals

Food packaging has received special attention from the food safety standpoint since it could be a potential source of contamination through the migration of chemical substances from the packaging material into food. The assessment of the exposure through the diet to these contaminants from food packaging is necessary. In this work, an estimation of dietary exposure of the young Spanish population (1–17 years) to target chemicals from packaging for fatty dried foods based on cereals was assessed. For this purpose, a gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method was developed for screening of volatile and semivolatile compounds, potential migrants from the packaging. Then, this technique was used to quantify 8 target analytes, which were previously identified in the packaging (including phthalates, acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and octocrylene), in composite food samples of fatty cereals prepared according to the consumption data for different age groups. Among the phthalates, exposure to diethyl phthalate (DEP) was the highest for the three groups considered (0.0761–0.545 µg/kg body weight/day), followed by bis(2-ethylhxyl)phathalate (DEHP), while the lowest mean intake was found for di-n-octyl phathalate (DNOP; 0.00463–0.0209 µg/kg body weight/day). The estimated dietary exposures did not exceed for any of the analytes the corresponding established tolerable daily intakes.

HPLC with Fluorescence Detection for Determination of Bisphenol A in Canned Vegetables: Optimization, Validation and Application to Samples from Portuguese and Spanish Markets

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the chemicals used to produce both polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resin coatings. Research has shown that small amounts of BPA can migrate into the foods and beverages enclosed in these types of containers. In this research, an analytical method based on high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) was developed and validated for the determination of BPA in canned vegetables. The results were confirmed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was performed, to identify the coating material of each tin can. Nineteen cans of vegetables were taken as study samples (eleven samples from the Spanish market, and eight samples from the Portuguese market). Excellent linear correlation (r2 = 0.9999) was observed over the range of 0.01 to 0.25 mg/L. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values were calculated to be 0.005 mg/kg and 0.01 mg/kg, respectively. Good recoveries, between 72% and 90% were obtained at three different levels of concentration (RSD% = 4.6). BPA was not detected in the samples. The proposed HPLC-FLD was found to be suitable for the determination of BPA in canned vegetables.

Identification of Potential Extractablesand Leachables in Cosmetic Plastic Packagingby Microchambers-Thermal Extraction and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Most container-content interaction studies are carried out through migration tests on end products or simulants involving generally toxic solvents. This study was conducted with the aim of identifying potential leachables from materials used in cosmetic plastic packaging by using two approaches based on solvent-free extraction, i.e., solid-phase microextraction sampling and pyrolyzer/thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Volatile and semi-volatile intentionally and non-intentionally added substances were detected in seven packaging samples made of polypropylene, polyethylene, and styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer. Thirty-five compounds related to the polymers industry or packaging industry were identified, among them phthalates, alkanes, styrene, and cyanide derivates including degradation products, impurities, additives, plasticizers, and monomers. All except eight belong to the Cramer class I. These thermodesorption techniques are complementary to those used for migration tests.

GC-MS Screening for the Identification of Potential Migrants Present in Polymeric Coatings of Food Cans

The coatings used in cans can release complex chemical mixtures into foodstuffs. Therefore, it is important to develop analytical methods for the identification of these potential migrant compounds in packaged food to guarantee the compliance with European food packaging legislation and ensure consumer safety. In the present work, the type of coating in a total of twelve cans collected in Santiago de Compostela (Spain) were evaluated using an ATR (attenuated total reflectance)-FTIR spectrometer. These samples were analysed after extraction with acetonitrile in order to identify potential migrants through a screening method by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of forty-seven volatile and semi-volatile compounds were identified in these samples, including plasticizers, photoinitiators, antioxidants, lubricants, etc. Then, in a second step, a targeted analysis was carried out for the simultaneous determination of 13 compounds, including bisphenols (BPA, BPB, BPC, BPE, BPF, BPG) and BADGEs (BADGE, BADGE.H₂O, BADGE.2H₂O, BADGE.HCl, BADGE.2HCl, BADGE.H₂O.HCl, cyclo-di-BADGE) by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (APCI) source. Among all the bisphenols analysed, only the bisphenol A was detected in four samples; while cyclo-di-BADGE was the predominant compound detected in all the samples analysed.