Niko Markkinen

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.

Determination of the specific migration of elements listed in Annex II of Commission Regulation (EU) No 2020/1245 (15th amendment of the Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011). The Annex lists the following elements and specific migration limits (SMLs) for each element: Element Symbol SML [mg/kg] Cadmium Cd Not detectable (LOD 0.002) Arsenic As Not detectable (LOD 0.01) Lead Pb Not detectable (LOD 0.01) Mercury Hg Not detectable (LOD 0.01) Chromium Cr Not detectable (LOD 0.01) Nickel Ni 0.02 Antimony Sb 0.04 Cobalt Co 0.05 Europium Eu 0.05 (sum) Gadolinium Gd Lanthanum La Terbium Tb Lithium Li 0.6 Manganese Mn 0.6 Aluminium Al 1 Barium Ba 1 Copper Cu 5 Zinc Zn 5 Iron Fe 48 Calcium Ca - Magnesium Mg - Potassium K - Sodium Na - The service is available with all conventional food simulants: Water-based simulants: water, 3% acetic acid, 10% ethanol, 20% ethanol, 50% ethanol (simulants A, B, C, and D1), Solvent simulants: 95% ethanol, isooctane (simulants D2e and D2i), Vegetable oil (simulant D2), Tenax adsorbent (simulant E). The cost of the analysis depends on the number of samples, the desired scope of testing, and the food simulant used.

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).

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: Water, 3% acetic acid, 10%, 20%, 50%, and 95% ethanol, and isooctane - 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.