Effect of autoclave sterilization, gamma irradiation and high-pressure processing on the migration of 4,4’-MDA and its isomers in laminated food packaging bags

Abstract

An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was used to evaluate the migration levels of primary aromatic amines (PAAs) in 147 laminated food bags on the market (Single-sided migration test), and 3 % of them were non-compliant. 4,4’-methylenedianiline (4,4’-MDA), 2,4’-methylenedianiline (2,4’-MDA) and 2,2’-methylenedianiline (2,2’-MDA) (MDAs) were the main migrating substances, while 2,2’-MDA was the main contributor to the excess of total migration of PAAs. In addition, migration test (60 ℃, 10 days) of laminated bags to food simulants were conducted to investigate the effects of autoclaving, irradiation and high-pressure processing (HPP) on the migration of MDAs. Furthermore, the mechanism affecting migration were discussed and revealed. The migration of 4,4'-MDA and 2,4'-MDA to food simulants was increased after autoclaving (121 °C/15 min). 60Co-γ irradiation (5, 10 and 25 kGy) resulted in a significant decrease in the migration of MDAs (P < 0.05). Irradiation and HPP are relatively safe ways of sterilization in terms of PAAs migration.