Analysis of Migrant Cyclic PET Oligomers in Olive Oil and Food Simulants Using UHPLC-qTOF-MS

Recent Advances in Non-Targeted Screening of Compounds in Plastic-Based/Paper-Based Food Contact Materials

Ensuring the safety of food contact materials has become a pressing concern in recent times. However, detecting hazardous compounds in such materials can be a complex task, and traditional screening methods may not be sufficient. Non-targeted screening technologies can provide comprehensive information on all detectable compounds, thereby supporting the identification, detection, and risk assessment of food contact materials. Nonetheless, the non-targeted screening of food contact materials remains a challenging issue. This paper presents a detailed review of non-targeted screening technologies relying on high-resolution mass spectrometry for plastic-based and paper-based food contact materials over the past five years. Methods of extracting, separating, concentrating, and enriching compounds, as well as migration experiments related to non-targeted screening, are examined in detail. Furthermore, instruments and devices of high-resolution mass spectrometry used in non-targeted screening technologies for food contact materials are discussed and summarized. The research findings aim to provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for the risk management of food contact materials and the development of relevant regulations and standards.

Determination of plastic polyester oligomers in real samples and their bioeffects

Plastics are ubiquitously, becoming part of our everyday life. Recently, the issue of human exposure to micro- and nanoplastic particles and potentially resulting toxicological consequences has been broached, triggered by the discovery of microplastics in foodstuff and dietary exposure via contaminated food and beverages. Within this EU-FORA fellowship project, a determination and quantification of plastic polyester plastics oligomers in food samples was performed to assess exposure at these categories of 'nanoplastics', evaluating them as potential contaminants or as indicators and marker compounds of the exposure to specific nanoplastics/microplastics from polyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). UHPLC-TOF-MS/MS analysis has been set-up for 10 PET and PBT oligomers and analysis has been performed in foods and drinks. Moreover, the project focused also on the effects of these oligomers in in vitro and ex vivo experiments. These data would be combined with EFSA Comprehensive Food Consumption Database, for the exposure and risk assessment of these 'Nanoplastics'.