Migration of di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA) and acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) plasticizers from PVC film into the food stimulant of isooctane

Chemical migration from food packing is influenced by several factors such as nature of chemicals, complexity of food, temperature, packing material used and properties of the migrating substances. Chemical compounds that are incorporated within polymeric packaging materials may interact with food components during processing or storage and migrate into the food by jeopardizing the food safety. This migration is higher if food remains in contact with packing material for extended time. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film such as di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) and acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) are still widely used as a food packing material due to its flexibility, transparency and low water permeability. The present study covers the main migration phenomena of both plasticizers (di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) and acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC)) from PVC‐film into isooctane food stimulant using a direct gas chromatographic method. An exposure period of 48 h at 30 °C and 4 °C was used. The obtained results showed DEHA levels ranging of 7.2 mg/dm² while, no ATBC migration from PVC‐film was observed. Results are discussed in relation to EU legislation proposed upper limit for DEHA specific migration (18 mg/L or 3 mg/dm²) and overall migration limit (OM) of 10 mg/dm².