Overall migration testing – simulant D2i (isooctane), repeated use

Overall migration (OM) is the sum of all the non-volatile compounds that migrate from a food contact material into food.

By convention, simulant D2i (isooctane) is used to simulate contact with fatty foods in case simulant D2 (olive oil) is not technically feasible.

In case simulant D2i is used to substitute simulant D2, Regulation (EU) 10/2011 mandates using simulant D2e (95% ethanol) as well. If the migration temperature exceeds 100 °C, testing overall migration with simulant E (Tenax) is mandated additionally.

The contact temperature with simulant D2i is not allowed to exceed 60 °C. The simulant can also 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 help choose the appropriate conditions, if necessary.

To comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic food contact materials, the overall migration must not exceed 10 mg/dm2 (or 60 mg/kg).

This test is intended for repeat-use articles and materials and is repeated three times for the same article/sample. Compliance is evaluated from the 3rd migration.