Migration of phthalates, bisphenols, photoinitiators, and perfluorinated compounds in polyethylene and polystyrene based beverage cups

Disposable paper cups are widely used for consuming beverages, particularly hot drinks, in daily life. However, concerns regarding the migration of hazardous chemicals from these cups into beverages have been largely overlooked. This study investigates the presence of phthalates, bisphenols, photoinitiators (PIs), and two perfluorinated compounds (PFC) in polyethylene and polystyrene based beverage cups from Turkey. Potential migrants were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in a total of 40 cup samples. Among the phthalates analyzed, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was the most prevalent, with concentrations reaching up to 0.95 mg/kg. Bisphenol A (BPA) was the dominant bisphenol, detected at levels between 0.01 and 0.02 mg/kg. Five photoinitiators-benzophenone, 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone, 4-methylbenzophenone, 4-hydroxybenzophenone, and ethyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate-were frequently identified, indicating the contribution of printing inks and surface coatings as contamination sources. In addition, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was detected in two samples, highlighting the potential presence of PFOA in disposable food-contact materials. The results underscore the need for continued surveillance of food-contact materials and the implementation of stricter regulatory controls to reduce long-term consumer health risks.