Assessment of alkylphenols migration from packaging to fruit juices: Influential factors and health risks

Abstract

Migration of plastic components or additives from packaging materials to food poses a potential health risk to humans. Alkylphenols, including 4-Nonylphenol and 4-tert-Octylphenol, are classified among the endocrine disrupting chemicals which exhibit estrogenic properties. One of the predominant pathways of human exposure to Alkylphenols primarily involves the ingestion of food and beverages, which have contaminated to Alkylphenols through leaching from the packaging materials. The objective of this study was to examine the presence of 4-Nonylphenol and 4-tert-Octylphenol compounds in various juice samples packed in Polyethylene terephthalate bottles and multilayer Tetrapack containers. Additionally, an evaluation was conducted regarding the influence of the expiration period and the two flavor of fruit juice (sour cherry and pineapple) on the leakage rate of alkylphenols. Health risk from exposure to alkylphenols through drinking packaged fruit juices was also estimated. 4-Nonylphenol and 4-tert-Octylphenol were detected in 100% of the samples at concentrations from 158.8 ng/L to 7604.2 ng/L and from 4.1 ng/L to 1373.8 ng/L, respectively. The results showed that over time, the concentration of contaminants in packaged fruit juices significantly increased. Fruit juices with a sour flavor, with a more acidic pH, typically tend to have a higher concentration of contaminants. Furthermore, the average concentration for both flavors was higher in polyethylene terephthalate packaging compared to Tetrapack. The risk assessment revealed that the group of children under 18 years of age is at a higher risk of health issues compared to the adult group due to exposure to alkylphenols found in packaged fruit juices.