Determination of volatile migrants from breast milk storage bags

Abstract

Breast milk storage bags are commonly used to facilitate extended periods of breastfeeding. These bags must meet the necessary safety standards for infant food and comply with current regulations. As they are typically made from polyethylene and feature printing inks on their surface, there is a potential for the transfer of polymer and ink additives, as well as non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), into the milk. An initial study was conducted using two breast milk bags to identify the primary migrants that could be released from this particular food packaging. Migration tests were conducted in both milk and the corresponding food simulant D1 (50% ethanol/water, v/v) under conditions mimicking typical breast milk storage conditions (4–5ºC, 7 days) and defrosting conditions (40ºC, 2 h). The results showed the presence of volatile migrants in both situations, whether long storage periods at refrigerated conditions or brief periods if the temperature is not under control. The outcomes also highlighted that the primary migrants were breakdown products from Irgafos 168, a widely used trisarylphosphite-based antioxidant. These included 2,4-ditertbutylphenol (2,4-dtBP), 1,3-di-tert-butylbenzene (1,3-dtBB), and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone (2,6-dtBBQ). A subsequent study was carried out involving eight breast milk bags to evaluate the migration of these compounds and to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of the materials used, ensuring the safety of infants' health is not compromised. Results showed that 1,3-dtBB exceeded the maximum recommended migration values in two of the studied bags. Nevertheless, further toxicity tests are necessary to ensure the safety of these materials in relation to food.