Food contact material testing services

Overall and specific migration tests are performed to measure the quantity of potentially harmful substances that may migrate from a food contact material into food. All plastic food contact materials sold in the EU must undergo overall migration testing, while the extent of specific migration testing depends on the composition of the material and the risks associated with it. Non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) need to be accounted for in addition to known starting substances and additives.

Recycled materials generally require more extensive testing than virgin ones, as they are more prone to contamination and degradation. Examples of recommended extra tests include primary aromatic amine screening from recycled plastics and MOSH and MOAH testing of recycled paper and board.

Measurlabs offers migration testing for all materials, from traditional plastics to ceramics, metals, and novel biobased materials. Our experts can also help select the testing conditions, which are chosen based on material characteristics and the types of food it is intended to come into contact with.

In addition to being chemically safe, food contact materials should endure typical mechanical and thermal stresses they may encounter using transport, storage, and use. Some of the most common tests specific to food contact materials include mechanical dishwashing resistance and microwave resistance testing. Tensile and compression strength, barrier properties, and other performance indicators can also be evaluated.