The Migration of Piperonyl Butoxide from Treated Multiwall Kraft Bags into Four Commodities

Abstract

Migration of pyrethrum-piperonyl butoxide, used as an insect repellent on the outside surface of multiwall paper bags, was determined by chemical analysis of the amount of piperonyl butoxide present (1) in each of the 4 plies of the bags and (2) in varions foods stored in the bags for 18 months. Piperonyl butoxide was present in the inner ply of the bags soon after the bags were made, and the amount of insecticide that migrated increased after the bags were filled and placed in storage. The presence of piperonyl butoxide in rice, dry milk, beans, and flour after only 1 month of storage in the treated bags was further proof of migration. The highest average residues in composite samples after 18 months of storage were 6.28 ppm in flour, 5.50 ppm in rice, 4.74 ppm in dry milk, and 0.57 ppm in beans. These residues were all within the 10-ppm tolerance originally established, by the Food and Drug Administration for piperonyl butoxide when used as a multiwall paper bag treatment. The highest piperonyl butoxide residnes were in foods that had the highest fat content.