Preliminary Assessment of Total UV-Absorbing Contaminants Migrating from Philippine-based Microwavable Containers to Fatty / Oily Food Simulant using Modified 21 CFR Part 177 Method |
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| Elyson Keith P. Encarnacion, Winnie P. Alejandro, Rizel Marie S.M. Ting, Anne C. Alcantara, Agaseve F. Del Rosario, Ellaine R. Dioso, David J. Alcarde Jr. |
- Abstract:
- Single-use microwavable containers are commonly employed to package food products because they are perceived as convenient, durable, and safe. In this study, a modification of 21 CFR Part 177 validated by Alejandro et al. to profile low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags was used to assess rigid microwavable polypropylene (PP) food packaging. A Welch two-sample t-test between LDPE and PP samples (n=15) yielded tstat = 0, and p (1.00) > 0.05, confirming method robustness. Spectral scanning of 21 brands of Philippine-based microwavable PP containers resulted in a range of 0.008-0.199 AU, indicating large variability. Of the samples analyzed, 23.8% were above the 0.1 AU maximum allowable limit set by the FDA Philippines, implying possible chemical migration upon contact with high-fat, low-moisture food products typically sold in local eateries and quick-service restaurants. Further investigations include migration studies at non-ambient conditions and to other food simulants, and targeted and quantitative analyses.
- Download:
- IMEKO-TC8-11-24-2025-039.pdf
- DOI:
- 10.21014/tc24-2025.039
- 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