Plastic Food Packaging Research Articles

Accumulation and exposure classifications of plastics in the different coastal habitats in the western Philippine archipelago

Studies consistently ranked the Philippines as one of the top contributors of plastic wastes leaking into the ocean. However, most of these were based on probabilities and estimates due to lack of comprehensive ground-truth data, resulting also in the limited understanding of the contributing factors and drivers of local pollution. This makes it challenging to develop science-driven and locally-contextualized policies and interventions to mitigate the problem. Here, 56 sites from different coastal habitats in the western Philippine archipelago were surveyed for macroplastics standing stock, representing geographic regions with varying demography and economic activities. Clustering of sites revealed three potential influencing factors to plastic accumulation: population density, wind and oceanic transport, and habitat type. Notably, the amount and types of dominant plastics per geographic region varied significantly. Single-use plastics (food packaging and sachets) were the most abundant in sites adjacent to densely populated and highly urbanized areas (Manila Bay and eastern Palawan), while fishing-related materials dominated in less populated and fishing-dominated communities (western Palawan and Bolinao), suggesting the local industries significantly contributing to the mismanaged plastics in the surveyed sites. Meanwhile, isolated areas such as islands were characterized by the abundance of buoyant materials (drinking bottles and hygiene product containers), emphasizing the role of oceanic transport and strong connectivity in the oceans. Exposure assessment also identified single-use and fishing-related plastics to be of “high exposure (Type 4)” due to their high abundance and high occurrence. These increase their chances of encountering and interacting with organisms and habitats, thus, resulting into more potential harm. This study is the first comprehensive work done in western Philippines, and results will help contextualize local pollution, facilitating more effective management and policymaking.

Analysis of ortho-phthalates and other plasticizers in select organic and conventional foods in the United States.

ortho-phthalates and other plasticizers impart flexibility to plastics in food production, processing, and packaging; food consumption is a dominant plasticizer exposure pathway. Lower molecular weight ortho-phthalates are being replaced in plastic products due to toxicity concerns, but toxic hazards of and exposures to replacementortho-phthalates and other plasticizers are poorly understood. We measured 12 ortho-phthalates and 9 other plasticizers in conventional and organic U.S. food products to assess magnitude and profiles of contamination. We measured plasticizers in 34 vegetable oils, 10 milks, 18 infant formulas, and 9 cheese powders from macaroni kits using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We analyzed plastic packaging composition using FTIR spectroscopy. We detected eight ortho-phthalates and three alternatives ((1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH), diethylhexyl terephthalate (DEHT), and diisobutyl adipate (DIBA). Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) was measured in all 71 products. DEHT had the highest concentration of any plasticizer (>10,000 ng/g in three oils). Oils had the highest total plasticizer (median = 770 ng/g, max = 14,900 ng/g) and milk the lowest (median = 88 ng/g, max = 120 ng/g). Organic milk and refined oils had higher median plasticizer levels than conventional. Refined oils had significantly lower concentrations than unrefined oils. Maximum contributors for every category were non-ortho-phthalates: DEHT (powdered infant formula and oils) and DIBA (cheese powder, milk and liquid formula). Plasticizers were not detected in packaging except epoxidized soybean oil in liquid formula lids. Human exposure to plasticizers is a significant public health concern. Nevertheless, sources of such exposures are poorly characterized. This study adds valuable information for estimating legacy and alternative plasticizer exposures from foods. The method developed for measuring DINCH, DINP and DIDP broadens the range of plasticizers other researchers may analyze in future work. The profiles of plasticizer contamination varied depending on the food type. We also document that food processing may be a source of plasticizer contamination in foods.

Consumer perceptions and behaviors toward take-out food plastic packaging reduction: A case study of college students in China

With the prevalence of online take-out food, the increasingly generated single-use plastic packaging waste has aroused public concern in the context of combating plastic pollution globally. The majority of present studies have focused on product design and policy design to influence the corporate behaviors in packaging waste management. Few attentions have been concentrated on consumer perceptions, a neglected vital factor in commercial practices, which determines whether the proposed measures can be effectively applied. This study takes college students, the main consumer group of take-out who are most likely to receive new environmental protection concepts, as a case study and employs the contingent valuation method to investigate their perceptions and behaviors toward emerging plastic packaging reduction approaches and taxation mechanisms. It was found that packaging circulation was preferred mostly with a proportion of 73.20% of the respondents, while taxation mechanism was more favored by those who have higher daily expenditure on meals. Gender, living costs and ordering frequency could significantly influence the acceptance levels. Therefore, a circulation mechanism using cabinet near take-out food hot spots and third-party cleaning services could target students and officers as pioneers. Regarding the taxation approach, it was suggested that the payment that most of the respondents could accept is 1.5 CNY. This study serves as a reference for the reduction of plastic waste from take-out packaging on campus, and provides a possible model that could reduce the environmental impacts of take-out food packaging through both taxation and circulation measures. The findings are expected to bring primary insights for take-out food plastic packaging reduction in China. For future studies, the methodology of this study was also well-prepared to investigate a larger scale of consumers and develop a more universal policy.

An Eco-Friendly Alternative to Plastic Cutlery and Food Packaging: A Case of Ecoware in India

The nonchalant nature of plastic cutlery, its long-life period, and its durability make it a favourite among users and businesses. However, these properties also make it lethal for the environment and are an eco-disaster. This case discusses an initiative taken by a social enterprise and manufacturing company Ecoware, founded by Rhea Singhal, a pharmacologist by profession. Born in Mumbai and bought up in Dubai and London, her eco-friendly, biodegradable cutlery is an alternative to non-biodegradable single-use plastic cutlery, which, when discarded, ends up in sewage, landfills, fields and water bodies posing a threat to the environment. Moreover, Ecoware cutlery is also an alternative to commercial cutlery, which is made of plastic, has chemical or pesticide residue, binder additives, fillers, wax lining, plastic lining or coatings, or PFA (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), which is generally added to tableware and food packing to offer resistance to oil, grease and moisture. This Ecoware case examines the correlation between sustainability and marketing, with a particular emphasis on sustainability marketing. It delves into Ecoware’s marketing mix strategy and explores the obstacles the company has encountered regarding pricing, environmental awareness and the general lack of understanding regarding the detrimental effects of plastic cutlery.

Characteristics of Edible Film from Corn Starch (Zea mays L.) with Additional Glycerol and Variations of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoparticles

Plastic is one of the most widely used packaging materials. Plastic is made of chemicals that are highly toxic, and its use has produced a lot of waste that is bad for the environment and difficult to decompose. The global community is becoming more and more aware of the value of high-quality food, particularly when it comes to packaging that is safe for human health and the environment. Edible films can be used as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic food packaging options. As a material for packaging, edible film made of biopolymers has been created. This material can be made from biodegradable components and has qualities akin to those of ordinary plastics. When combined with zinc oxide (ZnO), a piezoelectric ceramic with anti-microbial properties, edible film degrades and decomposes readily. This study sets out to identify the effects of variations in zinc oxide nanoparticle concentration properties of edible films made from corn starch (Zea mays L.) and to establish the optimal zinc oxide nanoparticle concentration. ZnO concentrations ranging from 0% to 3% to 9% to 12% were used. The outcomes demonstrated that a concentration of 12% provided the optimal treatment for the properties of edible film. With the addition of 12% ZnO concentration, the edible film's properties improved the most in this investigation, showing 81.94% water resistance, 1.434 MPa tensile strength, and 38.46% elongation percent. The lowest biodegradability value was found in edible film with a concentration of ZnO 12%, within 14 days. The resistivity, tensile strength, and % elongation of the edible film increase with increasing ZnO content.

Nano- and Microplastics Migration from Plastic Food Packaging into Dairy Products: Impact on Nutrient Digestion, Absorption, and Metabolism.

The ongoing use of plastic polymers to manufacture food packaging has raised concerns about the presence of nano- and microplastics (NMPs) in a variety of foods. This review provides the most recent data on NMPs' migration from plastic packaging into dairy products. Also discussed are the possible effects of NMPs on nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism. Different kinds of dairy products, including skimmed milk, whole liquid milk, powder milk, and infant formula milk, have been found to contain NMPs of various sizes, shapes, and concentrations. NMPs may interact with proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and have a detrimental impact on how well these nutrients are digested and absorbed by the body. The presence of NMPs in the gastrointestinal tract may impact how lipids, proteins, glucose, iron, and energy are metabolized, increasing the risk of developing various health conditions. In addition to NMPs, plastic oligomers released from food packaging material have been found to migrate to various foods and food simulants, though information regarding their effect on human health is limited. Viewpoints on potential directions for future studies on NMPs and their impact on nutrient digestion, absorption, and health are also presented in this review.

Characterization of antimicrobial and antioxidant performance of dihydroeugenol and its glycoside incorporated into whey protein isolate films

Bio-based plastics are gaining attention as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics in food packaging. Biodegradable films made from biocompatible macromolecules like polysaccharides and proteins offer promising solutions. This study investigated the effects of incorporating dihydroeugenol and glycoside into whey protein isolate (WPI) films to enhance their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties for food packaging. The findings showed that the glycoside film surpassed the dihydroeugenol film in inhibiting bacterial growth, forming larger inhibition halos against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella Enteritidis (inhibition halos ≥15 mm). The glycoside film exhibited superior effectiveness against Gram-positive bacteria, indicating enhanced penetration through their cell membranes. Additionally, the synthesized compounds significantly boosted the antioxidant activity of the films compared to the control film without dihydroeugenol and glycoside. With a relatively low solubility (23% ± 2.87% and 24% ± 3.92% for dihydroeugenol and glycoside, respectively), these films are suitable for packaging and safeguarding food products with medium to high humidity. This study concluded that incorporating dihydroeugenol and its glycoside into WPI films holds great promise for developing active packaging solutions in the food industry. These films offer both antibacterial and antioxidant properties, particularly advantageous for food products with medium to high humidity.

Reuse of used paper egg carton boxes as a source to produce hybrid AgNPs- carboxyl nanocellulose through bio-synthesis and its application in active food packaging

The proper disposal of disposable synthetic plastic food packaging materials presents a significant challenge for both the environment and the solid waste management community. To address this issue, an antibacterial-based high-strength bio-composite serves as the optimal alternative to conventional packaging materials. This study aims to produce a hybrid material of AgNPs-carboxyl cellulose nanocrystals (AgNPs-CCNCs), obtained from used egg carton boxes (UECBs), through bio acid hydrolysis and an in-situ generation process. Furthermore, AgNPs- carboxyl cellulose nanofibers (AgNPs-CCNFs) will be synthesized through a combination of bio acid hydrolysis and ball milling, followed by an additional in-situ generation step. The AgNPs-carboxyl nanocellulose (AgNPs-CCNCs, and AgNPs-CCNFs) exhibited excellent crystallinity index, morphology, thermal, and antibacterial properties. The morphological analysis was performed by electron microscopy, and the results showed the uniform distribution and spherical form of AgNPs appearing over the carboxyl nanocellulose through the in-situ generation process, which was confirmed through XRD analysis. The study further explores the impact of AgNPs-carboxyl nanocellulose on the mechanical, chemical, antibacterial, and thermal properties of the PVA matrix. The results demonstrate that the bio-nanocomposite film offers opportunities for utilization in active packaging applications.

The adenine-modified edible chitosan films containing choline chloride and citric acid mixture

A series of biopolymeric chitosan-based (Ch) films were prepared with choline chloride and citric acid plasticizer (deep eutectic solvent, DES). An effect of adenine (A, vitamin B4) addition on the functional properties of these films was evaluated. Several physicochemical and mechanical properties were tested: Fourier-transformed infrared spectra proved DES's plasticizing and crosslinking effect, while scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy techniques confirmed the possible phase separation after adenine addition. These changes affected the mechanical characteristics and the water vapor and oxygen permeability. The prepared materials are not water soluble because the CA acts as a crosslinker. The adenine addition on antioxidative and antimicrobial properties was also checked. It was found that Ch-DES materials with A exhibit improved antioxidative properties (55.8–66.1% of H2O2 scavenging activity) in contrast to the pristine chitosan-DES material (51.1% of H2O2 scavenging activity), while the material is still non-mutagenic (lack of growth of Salmonella typhimurium) and possesses antimicrobial features (no E. coli observed for all the tested films and inhibition zones noted for S. aureus). The mentioned properties, reduced oxygen transmission (1.6–2.1 g m−2 h−1), and mechanical characteristics within the range of typical food packaging plastics proved the potential of Ch-DES-A films in the packaging sector. Moreover, the antioxidative properties, usage of substrates being allowed as food additives, and the presence of adenine create the advantage of the Ch-DES-A materials as edible coatings, being also a source of Vitamin B4.

Mechanical properties and antioxidant activity of carrageenan-cellulose nanofiber incorporated butylated hydroxyanisole as active food packaging

Incorporated Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) in biopolymer film is one of strategy to minimize the direct contact of BHA into the food product without limits their function as food preservative. Thus, the aim of this study was to formulate the active packaging film using semi refined carrageenan (SRC) biopolymer plasticized with glycerol (G), reinforced with 10% v/v cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and incorporated antioxidant agent (BHA) with different concentrations (0.1 to 0.4% w/v) as antioxidants. Physical properties, including thickness, opacity, moisture content, and solubility in water, as well as mechanical properties such as tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EAB) were analyzed. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, morphology, and contact angle measurements were also performed. The results showed that the incorporation of BHA reduced the tensile strength and elongation at break of the active SGC-BHA films. However, the film's solubility, opacity, thickness, and moisture content improved with an increase in BHA concentration. The contact angle results revealed interesting trends, indicating changes in the film's surface properties with increasing BHA concentration. These findings suggest that the new formulation of active films may offer a viable alternative for plastic food packaging. By avoiding direct contact with synthetic preservatives, the films have the potential to extend the shelf life of food products while still providing the benefits of an antioxidant agent.

Advancements in energy recovery from waste plastic material for sustainable environment and circular economy

Food packaging and other plastic waste measure by about 31% of global waste in terms of plastic. The major use for plastic packaging is to preserve food and make it last more and prevent it from external damages. Unfortunately, most of the plastic food packaging is used and thrown away and cannot be reused or recycled. From chocolate wrappers to chips wrappers to cloth bags, plastic packaging is used everywhere and cannot be avoided. The accumulation of waste plastic is serious threat to the environment; including pollution of the air and water and harm to wildlife and human being. One of the main reasons for the increase in plastic waste is the widespread use of disposable plastic products, such as single-use bags, bottles, and utensils. Plastic waste have a negative impact on the environment, including pollution of the air and water and harm to wildlife. Pyrolysis is one of the efficient methods to convert plastic waste into useful form of energy and solves these issues. The discussion in the current research include about the pyrolysis technology, important factors which affect the process parameters and utilization of plastic pyrolysis oil as a substitute of diesel. The paper also discusses about the challenges and future scope of pyrolysis of waste plastic.

Occurrence and Release of Organophosphite Antioxidants and Novel Organophosphate Esters from Plastic Food Packaging.

Organic phosphite antioxidants (OPAs) are widely added in plastic products and can be oxidized to generate oxidized derivatives (OPAs = O), namely organic phosphate esters (OPEs), during production and use processing. Herein, the occurrence of OPEs and OPAs in five plastic food packages was detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Three OPEs (TPhP, TCEP, and AO168 = O) and three OPAs (TPhPi, TCEPi, and AO168) were found in the plastic packages, with concentrations of <MQL-124 ng/g (∑3OPAs) and 196-831 ng/g (∑3OPEs), respectively. The migration potential of OPAs and OPEs to food was measured by simulation experiments. OPAs and OPEs in plastic can efficiently migrate to oily simulants, alkaline simulants, and acidic simulants. After 14 days, the total concentration of all OPAs and OPEs in the food simulants reached <MQL-1.21 (acidic food simulants), <MQL-0.32 (alkaline food simulants), and 11.4-31.4 ng/mL (oily food simulants), respectively. OPAs and OPEs in 12 kinds of plastic-packaged foods were detected, with high concentrations in dairy food (∑3OPAs + ∑3OPEs: 18.3-28.9 ng/mL) and in oils (∑3OPAs + ∑3OPEs: 32.7-60.9 ng/mL). Accordingly, the estimated ingestion of OPAs and OPEs through plastic-packaged food can reach 2.6 and 32.7 ng/kg in children and 1.1 and 6.5 ng/kg in adults, indicating a non-negligible exposure risk of organic phosphorus pollutants.

Bio‐based multilayer paperboard for sustainable packaging application

AbstractBio‐based packaging materials are an emerging environment‐friendly alternative to conventional plastic food packaging materials, at least for some applications. The innovation of this work was to develop a sustainable cellulosic packaging material based on chitosan/palmitic acid/activated carbon coating with potential applications for single‐use food packaging. The study developed a multilayer paperboard (MPB), evaluating the effects of a paperboard surface coating by chitosan (2.0% w/w), palmitic acid (1.8% w/w), and activated carbon (1.2% w/w) applied in three coating layers. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of coated paperboard was reduced compared to uncoated paperboard, associated with the coating suspension filling of the pores of the cellulosic matrix, the palmitic acid hydrophobic characteristic, and the nonpolar nature of activated carbon (acted by repelling the vapor molecules of water). A grease resistance of Kit solution 11 of MPB was observed. The stiffness and elongation capacity increased, indicating the rigidity and flexibility of the MPB. The deposition of palmitic acid and activated carbon influenced the roughness increase. The biodegradability in the soil after 188 days of MPB was 55.01%, and the control (uncoated paperboard) was 69.38%. The coating did not impact the degradation behavior of cellulose.

Associations of urinary phthalate metabolites with household environments among mothers and their preschool-age children

Phthalates have become a matter of public health concern due to their extensive use worldwide and negative health effects. The evaluation of potential sources of phthalate exposure is crucial to design prevention strategies, especially for vulnerable populations. This study included 528 mother-child pairs in the Taiwan Mother Infant Cohort Study who were followed up at ages 3–6 years between 2016 and 2020. Each mother was interviewed by using a structured questionnaire containing questions on demographic characteristics and household environment factors, such as the use of plastic food packaging, residential visible mold, insecticide sprays, and electric mosquito repellents. Eleven phthalate metabolites were analyzed in urine samples simultaneously collected from the mother-child pairs. The phthalate metabolite urinary concentrations were higher among the children than among their mothers, except those of mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) and mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that urine samples collected during the summer showed higher concentrations of phthalate metabolites than those collected during the winter. Family income levels had negative associations with the concentrations of MnBP and metabolites of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in children. The use of plastic food packaging was positively associated with mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) and metabolites of DEHP in mothers. Residential visible mold or mold stains were significantly associated with higher MnBP and DEHP metabolite concentrations in children. The use of insecticide sprays was positively associated with MnBP concentrations in children. Significant associations between household environmental factors and phthalate exposure were mostly found in children, potentially indicating different exposure pathways between mothers and their children. Findings from this study provide additional information for the design of prevention strategies to protect the health of children and women.

Corn starch nanocomposite films reinforced with nanocellulose

Abstract The need for flexible food packaging has increased substantially in recent years around the world due to the unprecedented growth in food consumption. Due to low cost and ease of processing, petroleum-based synthetic polymer packaging materials are being predominantly used for food packaging these days. To avoid contributing to environmental problems caused by ecological risks, consumers have been searching for alternatives to plastic food packaging due to the fact that plastics cannot be recycled and are not biodegradable. Therefore, bioplastics made from corn starch, which are biodegradable, can be one solution to these issues. The starch’s amylopectin and amylase composition has a significant impact on the polysaccharide’s characteristics. Corn starch (CS) is utilized as a food source for humans and other animals, but it also has many other applications in industry. Corn starch, on the other hand, has a few issues that need to be addressed through some modifications. Although starch-based packaging is expensive, they create less waste overall, which helps in the reduction amount of plastic pollution. A variety of natural and synthetic polymers – including polysaccharide-based materials like Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed, collagen, alginate, chitosan, zein, cellulose, gelatin, various amino acids and polymeric materials like acrylic acid, polybutylene (PB), polyacrylic acid, polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polycaprolactone (PCL) – are used as starch modifiers to produce polymers with a starch base that are completely biodegradable. These biopolymers have the potential to replacing petroleum-based polymers in a variety of commercial and industrial settings. Besides, corn starch nanocomposite films reinforced with nanocellulose have been investigated as a potential eco-friendly packaging material. Consequently, the effects of nanocellulose content on the mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of corn starch-based films will be discussed in this work.

Environmental performance of plastic food packaging: Life cycle assessment extended with costs on marine ecosystem services

Packaging can play a substantial role in moving towards more sustainable food systems by affecting the amount of food loss and waste. However, the use of plastic packaging gives rise to environmental concerns, such as high energy and fossil resource use, and waste management issues such as marine litter. Alternative biobased biodegradable materials, such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) could address some of these issues. For a careful comparison in terms of environmental sustainability between fossil-based, non-biodegradable and alternative plastic food packaging, not only production but also food preservation and end-of-life (EoL) fate must be considered. Life cycle assessment (LCA) can be used to evaluate the environmental performance, but the environmental burden of plastics released into the natural environment is not yet embedded in classical LCA. Therefore, a new indicator is being developed that accounts for the effect of plastic litter on marine ecosystems, one of the main burdens of plastic's EoL fate: lifetime costs on marine ecosystem services. This indicator enables a quantitative assessment and thus addresses a major criticism of plastic packaging LCA. The comprehensive analysis is performed on the case of falafel packaged in PHBV and conventional polypropylene (PP) packaging. Considering the impact per kilogram of packaged falafel consumed, food ingredients make the largest contribution. The LCA results indicate a clear preference for the use of PP trays, both in terms of (1) impact of packaging production and dedicated EoL treatment and (2) packaging-related impacts. This is mainly due to the higher mass and volume of the alternative tray. Nevertheless, since PHBV has limited persistence in the environment compared to PP packaging, the lifetime costs for marine ES are about seven times lower, and this despite its higher mass. Although further refinements are needed, the additional indicator allows for a more balanced evaluation of plastic packaging.

Migration of Dihydroxy Alkylamines and Their Possible Impurities from Packaging into Foods and Food Simulants: Analysis and Safety Evaluation.

Alkyl diethanolamines are a group of compounds commonly used as antistatic agents in plastic food packaging materials. These additives and their possible impurities have the ability to transfer into the food; hence, the consumer may be exposed to these chemicals. Recently, scientific evidence of unknown adverse effects associated with these compounds was reported. N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)alkyl (C8-C18) amines as well as other related compounds and their possible impurities were analyzed in different plastic packaging materials and coffee capsules using target and non-target LC-MS methods. N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)alkyl amines, precisely, C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C17 and C18, 2-(octadecylamino)ethanol and octadecylamine, among others, were identified in most of the analyzed samples. It should be emphasized that the latter compounds are not listed in the European Regulation 10/2011 and 2-(octadecylamino)ethanol was classified as high toxicity according to Cramer rules. Migration tests were carried out in foods and in the food simulants Tenax and 20% ethanol (v/v). The results showed that stearyldiethanolamine migrated into the tomato, salty biscuits, salad and Tenax. Lastly, as a crucial step in the risk assessment process, the dietary exposure to stearyldiethanolamine transferred from the food packaging into the food was determined. The estimated values ranged from 0.0005 to 0.0026 µg/kg bw/day.

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) in plastic food packaging: non-target recognition, and migration behavior assessment

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are widely used as plasticizers in plastic food packaging; however, the migration of OPEs from plastic to food is largely unstudied. We do not even know the specific number of OPEs that exist in the plastic food packaging. Herein, an integrated target, suspect, and nontarget strategy for screening OPEs was optimized using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC–HRMS). The strategy was used to analyze 106 samples of plastic food packaging collected in Nanjing city, China, in 2020. HRMS allowed full or tentative identification of 42 OPEs, of which seven were reported for the first time. Further, oxidation products of bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite (AO626) in plastics were identified, implying that the oxidation of organophosphite antioxidants (OPAs) could be an important indirect source of OPEs in plastics. The migration of OPEs was examined with four simulated foods. Twenty-six out of 42 OPEs were detected in at least one of the four simulants, particularly isooctane, in which diverse OPEs were detected at elevated concentrations. Overall, the study supplements the list of OPEs that humans could ingest as well as provides essential information regarding the migration of OPEs from plastic food packaging to food.

Incorporating Portulaca oleracea extract endows the chitosan-starch film with antioxidant capacity for chilled meat preservation.

This study aimed to investigate the application potential of Portulaca oleracea extract (POE) in active packaging for the preservation of chilled meat. First, the antioxidant capacity and active ingredients of POE were systematically studied. The results demonstrated that POE has excellent antioxidant capacity and contains abundant antioxidant compounds. Subsequently, antioxidant-active packaging films based on chitosan and starch containing different concentrations of POE (CS/POE films) were successfully developed. The main physicochemical and mechanical properties of the CS/POE films were characterized and evaluated. The CS/POE films exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity and can significantly reduce lipid oxidation in meat. Compared with polyethylene film, the CS/POE films-treated meats had better preservation effects and longer shelf-life. These findings suggested that CS/POE film has the potential to become a good alternative to conventional plastics in food packaging. In conclusion, Portulaca oleracea extract is an excellent natural antioxidant with great potential in active packaging for chilled meat preservation.

A survey of phthalates in flavored olive oils from Turkey

Phthalates are organic contaminants that are used as plasticizers in many plastic food packaging materials. Because of their lipophilic character, oils are the primary source of human exposure to phthalates. In this study, the presence of five phthalate esters; diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) in olive oils flavored with different materials and marketed in Turkey in 2020 was determined. The samples included BBP, DINP, DIDP at lower concentrations than their LOQ. DEHP was the most abundant phthalate in all samples at varying concentrations between &lt; LOQ to 1.81 mg/kg. The highest amount of DEHP was found in the oil sample flavored with bergamot (1.81 mg/kg). DBP was detected in 9 of the 25 samples at concentrations from 0.11 to 0.27 mg/kg.