Migration of Metals Contained in Laminated Films for Food Packaging

Multilayer laminated films are widely used as food packaging materials. The substances contained in these films have the potential to migrate into food in contact, but the actual situation is unknown. In this study, we first determined the contents of 24 elements in 42 food laminate bags by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. As a result, 17 elements (Na, Mg, Al, P, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Sr, Sn, Sb and Pb) were detected, whereas seven (K, Ni, Ge, As, Ag, Cd and Ba) were below the limits of quantification (LOQs). The detected elements were probably derived from such as impurities in the aluminum layer, metal catalysts, pigments and adhesives. Next, migration tests were performed in 14 of these samples using two types of food simulants (distilled water and 4% acetic acid). The maximum migration levels of Sb, Sn, and Al were 0.11, 5.5 and 74.8 ng/mL, respectively, and the other elements were below the LOQs. It was suggested that Sb and Sn may have migrated from the non-food contact layer.