Browsing by Author "Kajaste, Riina"

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical hazards associated with the packaging materials of liquid packaging board with polyethylene coating on both sides, and if these chemical hazards would transfer to the liquid packaging board and to milk packaged in it. Consumers’ exposure to chemical hazards resulting from the packaging materials of the liquid packaging board used in the packaging of milk was assessed. Additionally, the process of safety assessment of new packaging materials of liquid packaging board was developed and described. A multinational manufacturer of food contact materials bears a great responsibility for the consumer safety and conformance of its products which is why conducting this study was important. A core made of recycled fibre and a tape used in the packaging of liquid packaging board were assessed for their chemical risk in this study. The core consists of adhesives and core board made of recycled fibre. Adhesive tapes consist of backing material and adhesive. Sometimes a primer is used between the backing material and adhesive. The chemical composition and potential sources of contamination were discussed in the literary review. Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS) and substances known to cause alterations in the sensory properties of liquid packaging board and food in adhesive tapes and core board were analysed. Additionally, non-targeted screening methods were employed to detect unpredicted NIAS in the packaging materials, liquid packaging board and a food simulant for milk. The concentrations of NIAS were compared with specific migration limits in the European Commission Regulation (EU) 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. They were also compared with the values of acceptable and tolerable daily intakes if provided by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The analytical methods that were used for qualitative and quantitative analyses were GC-MS and GC-FID. Predicted and unpredicted NIAS were detected from the packaging materials using the chosen methods. Some of the substances were found to transfer to liquid packaging board and to the food simulant. The migration to the food simulant was not be analysed for some of the NIAS. Additional information on the transfer of these substances to food is still needed. Substances for which adequate toxicological information was available did not pose a threat to consumer safety based on the exposure assessment. Furthermore, a process for the risk assessment of new packaging materials was successfully developed.