Packaging testing

Overall migration (OM) is the sum of all the non-volatile compounds that might migrate from a food contact material into the food. According to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, food simulants A, B, and C are assigned for foods that have a hydrophilic character and can extract hydrophilic substances. To comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, the overall migration must not exceed 10 mg/dm2 (or 60 mg/kg). The starting price applies to single-use materials and articles. We also offer migration testing with simulant A for repeated-use articles. Do not hesitate to request an offer.

Overall migration (OM) is the sum of all the non-volatile compounds that migrate from a food contact material into the food. According to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, food simulants A, B, and C are assigned for foods that have a hydrophilic character and can extract hydrophilic substances. Food simulant B shall be used for foods with a pH below 4.5. In order to comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, the overall migration must not exceed 10 mg/dm2 (or 60 mg/kg). The lower end of the displayed price range applies to single-use materials and the higher end to repeated-use materials.

Overall migration (OM) is the sum of all the non-volatile compounds that migrate from a food contact material into food. According to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, food simulant C shall be used to assess overall migration into alcoholic foods with an alcohol content of up to 20 % and those foods that contain a relevant amount of organic ingredients that render the food lipophilic. To comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, the overall migration must not exceed 10 mg/dm2 (or 60 mg/kg). The lower end of the displayed price range applies to single-use materials and articles, while the higher one applies to repeated-use materials.

Overall migration (OM) is the sum of all the compounds that might migrate from a food contact material into food. We offer OM testing with simulant D1 for both single-use articles (lower displayed price) and repeated-use articles (higher displayed price). According to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, food simulants D1 and D2 are assigned for testing migration into foods that have a lipophilic character and are capable of extracting lipophilic substances. Food simulant D1 shall be used for alcoholic foods with alcohol content above 20%, milk and dairy products, and oil-in-water emulsions. To comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, migration must not exceed the overall migration limit (OML) of 10 mg/dm2 (or 60 mg/kg).

Overall migration (OM) is the sum of all the non-volatile compounds that migrate from the food contact material into the food. By convention, simulant D2e (95% ethanol) is used to simulate contact with fatty foods in cases where using simulant D2 (olive oil) is not technically feasible. 95% ethanol is also a suitable simulant for materials that are intended for the storage of ethyl alcohol. In case simulant D2e is used to substitute simulant D2, Regulation (EU) 10/2011 mandates using simulant D2i (isooctane) as well. When the migration temperature exceeds 100 °C, testing overall migration with simulant E (Tenax) is also needed. Tests with simulant D2i and simulant E are not included in the cost of this analysis. The contact temperature with simulant D2e is not allowed to exceed 60 °C. In addition, the simulant can cause swelling of certain types of polymers (PLA, ABS, PA, PET, HIPS, etc.), resulting in increased migration. Therefore, the migration conditions for this test should be chosen with care. To comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, the overall migration must not exceed 10 mg/dm2 (or 60 mg/kg).

Overall migration (OM) into simulant E (Tenax) measures the sum of volatile and semi-volatile compounds that migrate from a food contact material into food via the gas phase. According to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, food simulant E is assigned for materials that are intended for contact with dry foods (e.g., salt, dried spices, semolina, sugar) or which can be considered to have a dry surface (e.g. unpeeled fruits, frozen foods). Simulant E can be also used if the tested material absorbs or is otherwise not able to withstand a liquid simulant (e.g. uncoated paper, napkins, tissue paper). Due to its thermal stability, Tenax is used as a simulant for the overall migration testing of materials intended for high-temperature applications (> 100 °C) if testing with olive oil is not technically feasible. Typical instances include e.g. ovenable paperboard packaging, baking paper, cooking utensils made from polyamide, and ovenable silicone molds. The test methods intended for plastics and paper have been described in standards EN 1186-13 (method B) and EN 14338, respectively. The standard overall migration limit (OML) is either 10 mg/dm2 or 60 mg/kg, depending on the regulation. Compliance can be evaluated according to various regulations/guidelines; see Table 1 for details. Table 1. Examples of available safety references for compliance evaluation of the results. Material Regulatory or other safety reference Plastics Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 (Uncoated) paper and board Resolution CM/Res(2020)9; DGCCRF MCDA sheet n°4 (V02 – 01/01/2019) Silicone Silicones Europe guidelines; French Arrêté du 25 novembre 1992 Rubber BfR XXI Coatings, varnishes, adhesives Regulation (EU) No 10/2011

Overall migration (OML) testing with simulants A, B, and D2 is used to ensure the compliance of food packaging, cling film, freezer bags, nitrile gloves, takeaway boxes, and all other materials or articles that are intended for contact with all types of foods. Overall migration is the sum of all the non-volatile compounds that migrate from the food contact material into food. According to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, materials and articles intended for contact with all types of food shall be tested with food simulants A (10% ethanol), B (3% acetic acid), and D2 (olive oil). To comply with the regulation, overall migration must not exceed 10 mg/dm2 (or 60 mg/kg). If testing with simulant D2 is not technically feasible, it is substituted with simulants D2e (95% ethanol) and D2i (isooctane). In case the contact temperature exceeds 100 °C, testing overall migration with simulant E (Tenax) is also necessary (not included in the cost). Our experts will provide guidance for selecting the appropriate simulants and migration conditions. Do not hesitate to ask for more information or a quote for testing repeated-use articles (the displayed price applies to single-use materials).

Standard DIN 10955 specifies test methods for the sensory analysis of food contact materials and articles that are intended for direct food contact. This analysis is performed according to the standard to determine the migration of odor and flavor from the packaging material into the food. By default, test is performed as Difference from Control-Test (DfC-Test) with a scoring scale. Test is also available as a triangle test for an additional cost.

Analysis of the migration of non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) into selected food simulant. NIAS have various sources and can be grouped into side products, breakdown products, and contaminants. The service is available with the following simulants: 50% ethanol, 95% ethanol, and iso-octane - suitable for plastic materials and materials with polymer coatings, Dry food simulant (Tenax) - also suitable for materials that cannot withstand liquid simulants (e.g. paper and board). The lower displayed price covers testing with liquid simulants and the higher with Tenax. A simple risk assessment based on EU regulations for food contact materials and EFSA's Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approach is included in the cost. More extensive risk assessment is available upon request.