A survey of styrene monomer levels in foods and plastic packaging by coupled mass spectrometry--automatic headspace gas chromatography.

Abstract

AbstractAn extensive UK survey of styrene monomer levels in styrene based plastic packaging materials and their contained foods (133 samples) has been carried out, examining a wide range of retail foods of different brand names and including yogurts, creams, salads, coleslaws, soft cheeses, margarines, hot and cold beverages from dispensing machines, spreads, fresh and cooked meats, candied fruits, fresh strawberries, and take‐away ‘fast’ foods. Analysis by headspace gas chromatography of styrene levels in the plastic containers showed levels of monomer ranging from 16 to 1300 mg kg−1 although the majority of containers (73%) had styrene levels in the range 100–500 mg kg−1 and only five plastic tubs had levels exceeding 1000 mg kg−1. Analysis of the food contents of the plastic containers by automated headspace gas chromatography with single ion monitoring mass spectrometric detection showed levels of the monomer ranging from < 1 μg kg−1 to 200 μg kg−1, although the majority of foods (77%) had styrene levels below 10 μg kg−1, and 26% of the total number analysed had levels below 1 μg kg−1.