Comparison of migration from polyethersulphone and polycarbonate baby bottles

This work presents two analytical methods developed for measuring three components of polyethersulphone (PES) and applying them to the migration testing of 30 baby bottles made of PES. The study also provides migration results under the same conditions for bisphenol A (BPA) from 40 polycarbonate baby bottles using a well-established method adapted to low concentrations. For PES bottles, migration of diphenyl sulphone (DPS), 4,4′-dichlorodiphenyl sulphone (DCPS) and 4,4′-dihydroxydiphenyl sulphone (DHPS; also known as bisphenol S) was carried out using two different analytical methods with detection limits of 0.1–0.3?µg/kg, and, therefore, much below their respective European Commission Directive 2002/72/EC legislative migration limits of 50–3000?µg/kg, respectively. In parallel, 40 bottles made of polycarbonate were analysed for the migration of BPA using a method validated at EU level and modified to give a lower detection limit of 0.1?µg/kg. Migration tests were conducted into the simulant for milk 50% EtOH (as per Commission Regulation No. 321/2011 of 1 April 2011) according to the test conditions from the guidelines on test conditions for articles in contact with foodstuffs (with a focus on kitchenware) prepared by the EU Reference Laboratory and its network of National Reference Laboratories. None of the 30 bottles made of PES released any detectable amounts of DCPS or DHPS and only two bottles released a very low amount of DPS of ～1?µg/kg in the milk food simulant compared to a regulatory limit of 3000?µg/kg. For PC bottles, 32 bottles of 40 (80%) did not release BPA above the LOD of 0.1?µg/kg (in any of the three migration tests performed on each bottle). The other 20% of bottles exhibited only very minor migration, where the highest level in the first migration test was 1.83?µg/kg and most bottles did not release detectable BPA in the second and third test. Only one bottle, with a migration level of 1.08?µg/kg, in the first test still showed a detectable level in the last migration test (i.e. 0.42?µg/kg). It is important to note that the legal limit (European Commission Directive 2002/72/EC) was still 600?µg/kg for polycarbonate bottles at the time of purchase, preceding the precautionary ban taking effect from 1 June 2011 (Commission Directive 2011/8/EU; Commission Regulation No. 321/2011). This confirms that the likelihood of migration of BPA is very low and remains at very minute amounts. The results also suggest the absence of release from PES bottles based on the set of bottles investigated.     

Migration of bisphenol A from plastic baby bottles,baby bottle liners and reusable polycarbonate drinking bottles

Human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) has recently received special attention. It has been shown that exposure to BPA may occur through the consumption of beverages or foods that have been in contact with polycarbonate (PC) plastic containers or epoxy resins in food packaging. A BPA migration study was conducted using a variety of plastic containers, including polycarbonate baby bottles, non-PC baby bottles, baby bottle liners, and reusable PC drinking bottles. Water was used to simulate migration into aqueous and acidic foods; 10% ethanol solution to simulate migration to low- and high-alcoholic foods; and 50% ethanol solution to simulate migration to fatty foods. By combining solid-phase extraction, BPA derivatization and analysis by GC-EI/MS/MS, a very low detection limit at the ng l^?1 level was obtained. Migration of BPA at 40°C ranged from 0.11 µg l^?1 in water incubated for 8 h to 2.39 µg l^?1 in 50% ethanol incubated for 240 h. Residual BPA leaching from PC bottles increased with temperature and incubation time. In comparison with the migration observed from PC bottles, non-PC baby bottles and baby bottle liners showed only trace levels of BPA. Tests for leachable lead and cadmium were also conducted on glass baby bottles since these represent a potential alternative to plastic bottles. No detectable lead or cadmium was found to leach from the glass. This study indicated that non-PC plastic baby bottles, baby bottle liners and glass baby bottles might be good alternatives for polycarbonate bottles.     

Increased migration levels of bisphenol A from polycarbonate baby bottles after dishwashing, boiling and brushing

Baby bottles are often made of polycarbonate plastic. Impurities remaining in the bottle from the monomer bisphenol A can migrate from the plastic bottles into baby food, thereby causing a health concern. Previous migration testing of new baby bottles showed only trace migration levels of the substance. In the present work, polycarbonate baby bottles were subjected to simulated use by dishwashing, boiling and brushing. Migration testing performed with both new and used bottles revealed a significant increase in migration of bisphenol A due to use. This finding might be explained by polymer degradation. Bisphenol A was determined in 200-ml samples of water food simulant by a method based on solid-phase extraction followed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The detection limit was 0.1 μg l^-1. Twelve different polycarbonate baby bottles were tested by filling them with hot water (100°C) for 1 h. The mean bisphenol A level from new bottles was 0.23 + -0.12 μg l^-1, while the mean levels from bottles subjected to simulated use were 8.4 + -4 μg l^-1 (dishwashed 51 times) and 6.7 + -4 μg l^-1 (dishwashed 169 times), respectively. None of the bottles released bisphenol A at levels that exceed the recently established provisional tolerable daily intake (0.01 mg kg^-1 body weight/day) in the European Union.     

Identification and quantification of the migration of chemicals from plastic baby bottles used as substitutes for polycarbonate

The results of a study on the analytical identification and quantification of migration of chemicals from plastics baby bottles found in the European Union market made of materials that are now present as substitutes for polycarbonate (PC) are reported. A total of 449 baby bottles with a focus on first age or sets of bottles were purchased from 26 European Union countries, Canada, Switzerland and the USA. From this collection, which contained several duplicates, a total of 277 baby bottles were analysed. The materials included different types of plastic such as PC, polyamide (PA), polyethersulphone (PES), polypropylene (PP), but also silicone, and from the United States a co-polyester marketed under the trade name Tritan?. The bottles were subjected to the conventional migration test for hot fill conditions, i.e. 2?h at 70°C. The simulant used was that specified in European Union legislation (2007/19/EC) for milk, i.e. 50% ethanol. In a first phase 1, migration was conducted since the scope of this investigation was a screening rather than a true compliance testing check. Second and third migrations were performed on selected articles when migrated substances exceeded limits specified in the legislation. In order to verify some materials, a portion of the bottle was cut to run an FT-IR fingerprint to confirm the nature of the polymer. The migration solutions in general showed a low release of substances. Results showed that bottles made of PP and silicones showed a greater number of substances in the migration solutions and in greater quantity. Chemicals from PP included alkanes, which could be found in >65% of the bottles at levels up to 3500?μg?kg?1; and benzene derivatives in 17% of the baby bottles and found at levels up to 113?μg?kg?1. Some substances were found on a regular basis such as plasticisers, esters and antioxidants (e.g. tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate, known as Irgafos 168. Some substances found were not included in the Community positive list, which means that those should not be found even in the first migration. Such substances included 2,6-di-isopropylnaphthalene (DIPN), found in 4% of the bottles at levels up to 25?μg?kg?1, 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol (in 90% of the bottles at levels up 400?μg?kg?1). Moreover, bisphenol A (BPA) was detected and quantified in baby bottles made of PA, but limited to one brand and model specific (but labelled BPA free). Results for baby bottles made of silicone also indicated the presence of components, e.g. potentially coming from inks (benzophenone, diisopropyl naphtahalene - DIPN, which could come for example from the presence of instruction leaflets in the bottles). In the case of silicone, phthalates were also found in relevant concentrations, with levels for DiBP and DBP from the first migration test of 50-150?μg?kg?1 and DEHP at levels 25-50?μg?kg?1.     

Identification and quantification of the migration of chemicals from plastic baby bottles used as substitutes for polycarbonate

The results of a study on the analytical identification and quantification of migration of chemicals from plastics baby bottles found in the European Union market made of materials that are now present as substitutes for polycarbonate (PC) are reported. A total of 449 baby bottles with a focus on first age or sets of bottles were purchased from 26 European Union countries, Canada, Switzerland and the USA. From this collection, which contained several duplicates, a total of 277 baby bottles were analysed. The materials included different types of plastic such as PC, polyamide (PA), polyethersulphone (PES), polypropylene (PP), but also silicone, and from the United States a co-polyester marketed under the trade name Tritan?. The bottles were subjected to the conventional migration test for hot fill conditions, i.e. 2?h at 70°C. The simulant used was that specified in European Union legislation (2007/19/EC) for milk, i.e. 50% ethanol. In a first phase 1, migration was conducted since the scope of this investigation was a screening rather than a true compliance testing check. Second and third migrations were performed on selected articles when migrated substances exceeded limits specified in the legislation. In order to verify some materials, a portion of the bottle was cut to run an FT-IR fingerprint to confirm the nature of the polymer. The migration solutions in general showed a low release of substances. Results showed that bottles made of PP and silicones showed a greater number of substances in the migration solutions and in greater quantity. Chemicals from PP included alkanes, which could be found in >65% of the bottles at levels up to 3500?µg?kg^?1; and benzene derivatives in 17% of the baby bottles and found at levels up to 113?µg?kg^?1. Some substances were found on a regular basis such as plasticisers, esters and antioxidants (e.g. tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate, known as Irgafos 168. Some substances found were not included in the Community positive list, which means that those should not be found even in the first migration. Such substances included 2,6-di-isopropylnaphthalene (DIPN), found in 4% of the bottles at levels up to 25?µg?kg^?1, 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol (in 90% of the bottles at levels up 400?µg?kg^?1). Moreover, bisphenol A (BPA) was detected and quantified in baby bottles made of PA, but limited to one brand and model specific (but labelled BPA free). Results for baby bottles made of silicone also indicated the presence of components, e.g. potentially coming from inks (benzophenone, diisopropyl naphtahalene – DIPN, which could come for example from the presence of instruction leaflets in the bottles). In the case of silicone, phthalates were also found in relevant concentrations, with levels for DiBP and DBP from the first migration test of 50–150?µg?kg^?1 and DEHP at levels 25–50?µg?kg^?1.     

Migration of bisphenol A from polycarbonate baby bottles under real use conditions

Migration of the potential endocrine disrupter, bisphenol A (BPA), from 31 polycarbonate (PC) baby bottles into aqueous food simulants was studied under real repetitive use, using a sensitive and fully validated liquid chromatographic method with fluorescence detection. Confirmation of the presence of BPA was performed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The effects of cleaning in a dishwasher or with a brush, sterilization with boiling water and the temperature of migration were examined. It was shown that temperature was the crucial factor for the migration of BPA from the plastic bottles to water. All samples released BPA in the concentration range 2.4–14.3 µg kg^?1 when filled with boiled water and left at ambient temperature for 45 min. The decrease of BPA release in the sterilization water and in the food simulant over 12 cycles of use indicated that the hypothesis of polymer degradation in water is dubious. Estimated infantile dietary exposure, regarding the use of PC baby bottles, ranged between 0.2 and 2.2 µg kg^?1 bw day^?1, which is below the Tolerable Daily Intake of 50 µg kg^?1 bw recently established by EFSA.     

Migration of bisphenol A from polycarbonate baby bottles under real use conditions

Migration of the potential endocrine disrupter, bisphenol A (BPA), from 31 polycarbonate (PC) baby bottles into aqueous food simulants was studied under real repetitive use, using a sensitive and fully validated liquid chromatographic method with fluorescence detection. Confirmation of the presence of BPA was performed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The effects of cleaning in a dishwasher or with a brush, sterilization with boiling water and the temperature of migration were examined. It was shown that temperature was the crucial factor for the migration of BPA from the plastic bottles to water. All samples released BPA in the concentration range 2.4-14.3 µg kg^-1 when filled with boiled water and left at ambient temperature for 45 min. The decrease of BPA release in the sterilization water and in the food simulant over 12 cycles of use indicated that the hypothesis of polymer degradation in water is dubious. Estimated infantile dietary exposure, regarding the use of PC baby bottles, ranged between 0.2 and 2.2 µg kg^-1 bw day^-1, which is below the Tolerable Daily Intake of 50 µg kg^-1 bw recently established by EFSA.     

Effect of amines in the release of bisphenol A from polycarbonate baby bottles

The key block for the production of polycarbonate (PC) is bisphenol A (BPA). Recent studies have proven that this monomer is able to migrate from PC baby bottles into food simulants and, although this is a polemical subject, numerous investigations indicate that BPA may have an effect on the human health. For these reasons, BPA safety regarding human exposure has recently become an alarming issue.Amines are a class of chemicals which are present in foodstuffs, such as milk. For this reason PC baby bottles, while being used, are continuously in contact with several amines, some of which are able to cause PC aminolysis, resulting in the release of BPA.In this work, 16 substances (14 with amine groups and 2 with amide groups) were tested in order to verify if they were able to increase BPA release by increasing PC depolymerization. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection (FLD) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS) were used to quantify and identify the BPA, respectively. Although most of the substances tested did not increase the release of BPA from PC, some of them had a significant effect and high levels of this monomer were measured in the solutions. Of all of the amines tested that originating the worst case of BPA release was 1,4-diaminobutane. Also known as putrescine, 1,4-diaminobutane is a biogenic amine that results from protein degradation and it may be present in milk. In this case, BPA concentration in the solution was more than 5000 times the level found in the control sample.     

Effect of detergents in the release of bisphenol A from polycarbonate baby bottles

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a monomer crucial for the production of polycarbonate (PC). Recently, it has been verified that BPA is able to migrate from PC baby bottles into food simulants and numerous studies indicate that BPA may affect human health.In this work, five different detergents and bleach were tested to verify if they were able increasing the BPA release from the PC. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection (FLD) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS) were used to quantify and identify BPA. Of all detergents tested, only with one was not detected a BPA concentration higher than the control. In the worst case, BPA levels detected were about 500 times higher than the control and the concentration kept high even after rinsing the PC samples three times. In the case of bleach, while it was in contact with the PC, the BPA released was not detected.     

Migration of bisphenol A into water from polycarbonate baby bottles during microwave heating

A comprehensive migration database was established for bisphenol A from polycarbonate baby bottles into water during exposure to microwave heating. Eighteen different brands of polycarbonate baby bottles sold in Europe were collected. Initial residual content of bisphenol A and migration after microwave heating were determined. Residual content of bisphenol A in the polycarbonate baby bottles ranged from 1.4 to 35.3 mg kg^?1. Migration of bisphenol A was determined by placing a polycarbonate bottle filled with water in a microwave oven and heating to 100°C; the level of bisphenol A in the water was analysed by GC–MS. The procedure of microwave heating and analysis was repeated twice for the same bottle and, thus, three migration extracts were prepared for each test specimen. Migration of bisphenol A into water ranged from <0.1 to 0.7 µg l^?1. There was no correlation between the amount of residual content of bisphenol A in the bottles and the migration of bisphenol A into water. Furthermore, there was no correlation between the amounts of bisphenol A in consecutive migration extracts. Data show that during three microwave-heating cycles of a baby bottle made from polycarbonate, microwave radiation had no effect on the migration of bisphenol A into water from polycarbonate. All levels found were well below the specific migration limit of 0.6 mg kg^?1 specified for bisphenol A in Commission Directive 2004/19/EC.     

Migration of bisphenol A into water from polycarbonate baby bottles during microwave heating

A comprehensive migration database was established for bisphenol A from polycarbonate baby bottles into water during exposure to microwave heating. Eighteen different brands of polycarbonate baby bottles sold in Europe were collected. Initial residual content of bisphenol A and migration after microwave heating were determined. Residual content of bisphenol A in the polycarbonate baby bottles ranged from 1.4 to 35.3 mg kg(-1). Migration of bisphenol A was determined by placing a polycarbonate bottle filled with water in a microwave oven and heating to 100 degrees C; the level of bisphenol A in the water was analysed by GC-MS. The procedure of microwave heating and analysis was repeated twice for the same bottle and, thus, three migration extracts were prepared for each test specimen. Migration of bisphenol A into water ranged from <0.1 to 0.7 microg l(-1). There was no correlation between the amount of residual content of bisphenol A in the bottles and the migration of bisphenol A into water. Furthermore, there was no correlation between the amounts of bisphenol A in consecutive migration extracts. Data show that during three microwave-heating cycles of a baby bottle made from polycarbonate, microwave radiation had no effect on the migration of bisphenol A into water from polycarbonate. All levels found were well below the specific migration limit of 0.6 mg kg(-1) specified for bisphenol A in Commission Directive 2004/19/EC.     

Migration of bisphenol A into water from polycarbonate baby bottles during microwave heating.

A comprehensive migration database was established for bisphenol A from polycarbonate baby bottles into water during exposure to microwave heating. Eighteen different brands of polycarbonate baby bottles sold in Europe were collected. Initial residual content of bisphenol A and migration after microwave heating were determined. Residual content of bisphenol A in the polycarbonate baby bottles ranged from 1.4 to 35.3 mg kg(-1). Migration of bisphenol A was determined by placing a polycarbonate bottle filled with water in a microwave oven and heating to 100 degrees C; the level of bisphenol A in the water was analysed by GC-MS. The procedure of microwave heating and analysis was repeated twice for the same bottle and, thus, three migration extracts were prepared for each test specimen. Migration of bisphenol A into water ranged from <0.1 to 0.7 microg l(-1). There was no correlation between the amount of residual content of bisphenol A in the bottles and the migration of bisphenol A into water. Furthermore, there was no correlation between the amounts of bisphenol A in consecutive migration extracts. Data show that during three microwave-heating cycles of a baby bottle made from polycarbonate, microwave radiation had no effect on the migration of bisphenol A into water from polycarbonate. All levels found were well below the specific migration limit of 0.6 mg kg(-1) specified for bisphenol A in Commission Directive 2004/19/EC.     

Dietary exposure assessment of infants to bisphenol A from the use of polycarbonate baby milk bottles

The residual bisphenol A (BPA) levels in 28 different brands of polycarbonate (PC) baby milk bottles available in the Singapore market were measured. With a detection limit of 3 mg/kg, BPA residues were detected in 19 out of the 28 PC baby milk bottles at levels between 4.01 and 141 mg/kg, with a mean of 28.1 ± 31.4 mg/kg and a median of 17.2 mg/kg. The potential migration of BPA from each of the 28 PC milk bottles was also measured using food-simulating solvents and time conditions recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), but using temperatures more severe than actual use. The highest upper-bound mean BPA migration levels of 0.64 ± 0.48 µg/in² in 10% ethanol at 70°C and 0.43 ± 1.25 µg/in² in corn oil at 100°C were observed after incubating cut portions of the milk bottles for 240 h. With this migration data and using US FDA's procedure for estimation of dietary exposure, the worst-case dietary exposure assessment for the intake of BPA by infants between birth and three months of age was below the oral Reference Dose of 0.05 mg/kg bw/day established by the US Environmental Protection Agency. This study showed that the dietary exposure to BPA from actual uses of PC milk bottles is unlikely to pose a health risk in infants.     

Release of bisphenol A from polycarbonate baby bottles: water hardness as the most relevant factor

The concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA) in the content of polycarbonate baby bottles reported by scientific literature were almost always clearly below 1 μg/l, but in a German consumer journal they reached 157 μg/l. These high values were interpreted as a result of microwave heating, but here they are shown to be the result of testing with tap water. Since BPA is primarily released by degradation of the polycarbonate, rather than by migration from the polymer, testing with food simulants (distilled water or distilled water/ethanol) is not appropriate. Degassing of tap water during boiling causes the pH to increase and the water to become more aggressive. BPA concentrations may reach 50 μg/l if a polycarbonate bottle is sterilized by boiling water in it (well feasible only by means of microwave heating) and this same water is used to prepare a beverage. Increased concentrations are also observed when boiling-hot beverages with a high pH are filled into the bottle, such as boiled plain water or tea. Respecting simple rules, the BPA concentrations can be kept below 0.5 μg/l.     

Release of bisphenol A from polycarbonate baby bottles: mechanisms of formation and investigation of worst case scenarios

The question was further investigated whether there could be conditions resulting in contamination of beverages in polycarbonate bottles for babies with bisphenol A (BPA) at concentrations causing the tolerable daily intake (TDI) to be approached or exceeded. It is a follow up of previous work showing increased release of BPA after extended use of the bottles. Migration in the proper sense was low, but larger amounts of BPA were observed from degradation of the polycarbonate. Since there are no standardized testing conditions to determine release by degradation of the polymer, worst case scenarios were investigated. Alkali washing solutions at concentrations typical for dishwashers contained BPA in concentrations little above 100 μg/l. In reality they are diluted in the general washing liquid and finally poured out. Drying was the most critical step, particularly after inadequate rinsing of bottles, when alkali detergent was “baked” to the bottle wall at elevated temperature. BPA thus formed is transferred into the beverage, but is unlikely to exceed 10 μg/l. The highest transfer into the beverage (up to about 500 μg/l) could occur when the bottle is positioned in the dishwasher at such inclination that the detergent solution does not fully run off and is poorly rinsed, but this scenario is unlikely to often occur. In conclusion, even rather extreme scenarios do not result in BPA contamination near to the level corresponding to the TDI.     

Evaluation of the migration of chemicals from baby bottles under standardised and duration testing conditions

After the prohibition of bisphenol-A-containing polycarbonate baby bottles in the European Union (EU), alternative materials, such as polypropylene, polyethersulphone, Tritan? copolyester, etc., have appeared on the market. Based on an initial screening and in vitro toxicity assessment, the most toxic migrating compounds were selected to be monitored and quantified using validated GC- and LC-QqQ-MS methods. The effect of several ‘real-life-use conditions’, such as microwave, sterilisation and dishwasher, on the migration of different contaminants was evaluated by means of duration tests. These results were compared with a reference treatment (filling five times with pre-heated simulant at 40°C) and with the legal EU ‘repetitive-use conditions’ (three migrations, 2 h at 70°C). Analysis of the third migration step of the EU repetitive-use conditions (which has to comply with the EU legislative migration limits) showed that several non-authorised compounds were observed in some baby bottles exceeding 10 µg kg^?1. However, all authorised compounds were detected well below their respective specific migration limits (SMLs). The reference experiment confirmed the migration of some of the compounds previously detected in the EU repetitive-use experiment, though at lower concentrations. Analysis of extracts from the microwave and dishwasher experiments showed a reduction in the migration during the duration tests. In general, the concentrations found were low and comparable with the reference experiment. Similar observations were made for the two sterilisation types: steam and cooking sterilisation. However, steam sterilisation seems to be more recommended for daily use of baby bottles, since it resulted in a lower release of substances afterwards. Repeated use of baby bottles under ‘real-life’ conditions showed no increase in the migration of investigated compounds and, after some time, the migration of these compounds even became negligible.     

Migration of bisphenol A from polycarbonate baby bottles purchased in the Spanish market by liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection

During the last decade the safety of bisphenol A (BPA) monomer in polycarbonate baby bottles has drawn the attention of both the public and the scientific community. This paper presents the results of BPA migration from polycarbonate baby bottles bought in the Spanish market, into simulant B (3% acetic acid), 50% ethanol and into real food (reconstituted infant formula). Furthermore, it was also the objective of this study to assess the suitability of 50% ethanol as a simulant for infant formula. BPA was analysed by a multi-analyte liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection and mass spectrometry confirmation. The method was in-house validated and accredited by the national accreditation body. The validation results for this analyte in the previous mentioned matrices were: LOD?=?0.004–0.007?mg?kg^–1; LOQ (validated)?=?0.03?mg?kg^–1; RSD%?=?3.4–5.8; and recovery?=?106.6–118.2%. A collection of 72 different baby bottle samples from 12 different brands were analysed. Baby bottle material was identified by FTIR. The migration test conditions used were those recommended for baby bottles in the Guidelines on testing conditions for articles in contact with foodstuffs (with a focus on kitchenware), prepared by the European network of laboratories for food-contact materials. In most of the migration assays the results were below the LOD. In four of the commercial brands there was detectable migration into the simulant 50% ethanol and BPA was detected in only two samples of infant formula (0.01?mg?kg^–1). Migration results obtained were in compliance with European Union regulations.     

Migration of bisphenol A from polycarbonate baby bottles purchased in the Spanish market by liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection

During the last decade the safety of bisphenol A (BPA) monomer in polycarbonate baby bottles has drawn the attention of both the public and the scientific community. This paper presents the results of BPA migration from polycarbonate baby bottles bought in the Spanish market, into simulant B (3% acetic acid), 50% ethanol and into real food (reconstituted infant formula). Furthermore, it was also the objective of this study to assess the suitability of 50% ethanol as a simulant for infant formula. BPA was analysed by a multi-analyte liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection and mass spectrometry confirmation. The method was in-house validated and accredited by the national accreditation body. The validation results for this analyte in the previous mentioned matrices were: LOD = 0.004-0.007 mg kg(-1); LOQ (validated) = 0.03 mg kg(-1); RSD% = 3.4-5.8; and recovery = 106.6-118.2%. A collection of 72 different baby bottle samples from 12 different brands were analysed. Baby bottle material was identified by FTIR. The migration test conditions used were those recommended for baby bottles in the Guidelines on testing conditions for articles in contact with foodstuffs (with a focus on kitchenware), prepared by the European network of laboratories for food-contact materials. In most of the migration assays the results were below the LOD. In four of the commercial brands there was detectable migration into the simulant 50% ethanol and BPA was detected in only two samples of infant formula (0.01 mg kg(-1)). Migration results obtained were in compliance with European Union regulations.     

Migration of 2-butoxyethyl acetate from polycarbonate infant feeding bottles

An enforcement campaign was carried out to assess the migration of 2-butoxyethyl acetate (2-BEA) from polycarbonate infant feeding bottles intended for repeated use. Migration was measured by three successive migration tests into two of the European Union official food simulants: distilled water and 3% acetic acid testing at 40°C for 10 days. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA) has assessed that a migration above 0.33 mg for 2-BEA and a group of eight related substances kg^-1 foodstuff from plastics articles used exclusively for infants is unacceptable. Migration of 2-BEA was found from eight of 12 bottles. However, migration above the target value of 0.33 mg kg^-1 was not observed in the third decisive test from any of the 12 different brands of polycarbonate feeding bottles. A migration of between 0.05 and 0.26 mg kg^-1 from seven of 12 bottles was measured to 3% acetic acid in the third test, whereas no migration to distilled water was observed in the third test. The average recovery of 2-BEA after the 10-day exposure at the target value of 0.33 mg kg^-1 was 77% into distilled water and 36% into 3% acetic acid. The limited recovery was understandable as 2-BEA was partly hydrolysed in the aqueous food simulants and 2-butoxyethanol, a hydrolysis product and one of the related substances was identified. Quantification was carried out using gas chromatography after liquid/liquid extraction of the food simulant.     

Migration of plasticisers from Tritan™ and polycarbonate bottles and toxicological evaluation

This study is aimed to compare Tritan™ and polycarbonate (PC) from a point of view of migration of monomers and additives and toxicological evaluation. Migration assays were performed according with Commission Regulation (UE) No. 10/2011. Samples were incubated at 40 °C for three consecutive periods of 10 days. Identification and quantification of the compounds intended to migrate was done using solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in scan mode. Compounds identified in Tritan™ were 2-phenoxyethanol (2-PE), 4-nonylphenol (4-NP), bisphenol A (BPA), benzylbuthyl phthalate (BBP) and dimethyl isophthalate (DMIP) at levels from 0.027 ± 0.002 to 0.961 ± 0.092 μg/kg, although in the 3rd migration period, BBP and DMIP were the only compounds detected well below the specific migration limit. On the other hand, BPA was the only compound detected in PC polymers at a mean concentration of 0.748 μg/kg. In vitro bioassays for (anti)estrogenic, (anti)androgenic as well as retinoic acid- and vitamin D-like activity were negative for Tritan™ and PC migrates. BPA and DMIP were estrogenic in high concentrations. Exposure of the estrogen-sensitive molluskan sentinel Potamopyrgus antipodarum confirmed the estrogenic activity of BPA in vivo at 30 μg/L.