Overall migration testing – simulants A, B, D2e, and D2i (all foodstuff)

Overall migration (OM) is the sum of all the non-volatile compounds that migrate food contact materials 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).

However, 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 mandated as well (not included in the cost).

The contact temperature with simulants D2e and D2i is not allowed to exceed 60 °C. In addition, simulant D2e can cause swelling of certain polymers (PLA, ABS, PA, PET, HIPS, etc.), resulting in increased migration. On the other hand, simulant D2i can cause an overestimation of migration with polyolefins (e.g., PE, PP). Therefore, the migration conditions for this test should be chosen with care. The method expert will provide guidance where needed.

To comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, overall migration must not exceed 10 mg/dm2 (or 60 mg/kg).