Paperboard-box storage filled with various food items – Migration studies on mineral oil hydrocarbons

Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) can enter our food in different ways. The migration into food of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) is, in particular, to be avoided. In this research project, we carried out storage studies under realistic conditions with four different foods stored in paperboard boxes to determine the influence of ambient air and storage conditions on the concentrations and equilibrium. The experiments were conducted at room temperature over several months. There was not a continuous increase in the MOH concentration over time due to interactions with the ambient air and changes in storage conditions. Both rice and semolina showed quite similar results. Significantly, for the paperboards used, a similar migration behaviour for MOH could be observed. A comparison of the migration results with previously collected data for the simulants Tenax and Sorb-Star showed very good agreement. This proves the suitability of these simulants under adequate conditions. • The paperboards used showed a similar migration of MOH. • Evaporation to the outside and changed storage conditions result in variable migration values. • Tenax and Sorb-Star are appropriate as food simulants under adequate conditions. • Application areas of Tenax and Sorb Star can be defined. • Suitable test conditions, including temperature, time and type of contact, have been compiled.