Method Validation and Chemometric Analysis of UV-Absorbing Contaminant Migration from Low-density Polyethylene Packaging Materials into 8% Ethanol |
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| Anne C. Alcantara, Elyson Keith P. Encarnacion, Rizel Marie S.M. Ting, Winnie P. Alejandro, Harold E. Armario, Agaseve F. Del Rosario, David J. Alcarde Jr. |
- Abstract:
- Ensuring food packaging safety is vital due to potential chemical migration. This study validated an extraction method using 8% ethanol, a simulant for alcoholic products per US 21 CFR Part 177, and evaluated the influence of LDPE thickness on total UV-absorbing contaminants (TACs). Twenty-two samples (6–130 μm thick) from 13 Mega Manila locations were tested. Method validation showed limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 0.010 and 0.025 Au, respectively. Repeatability and intermediate precision were acceptable, with %RSDs from 8.5% to 35.8%. All absorbance values were below the Philippine FDA limit (0.300 Au), with PE-0008 and PE-0022 having the highest (0.154 and 0.123 Au). Chemometric analysis showed a moderate positive correlation between thickness and TACs (Spearman’s ρ = 0.481), though Kruskal-Wallis (p = 0.2042) and LOESS regression indicated thickness alone doesn't drive migration. K-means clustering and LOESS trends suggest peak migration at 30–40 μm. Future work should apply chromatographic techniques for comprehensive LDPE safety assessment.
- Download:
- IMEKO-TC8-11-24-2025-038.pdf
- DOI:
- 10.21014/tc24-2025.038
- Event details
- IMEKO TC:
- TC24
- Event name:
- IMEKO TC8, TC11 and TC24 Conference
- Title:
Joint conference of the TCs ‘Traceability in Metrology’ (IMEKO TC8), ‘Measurement in Testing, Inspection and Certification’ (IMEKO TC11), and ‘Chemical Measurements’ (IMEKO TC24).
- Place:
- Torino, ITALY
- Time:
- 14 September 2025 - 17 September 2025