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Feb 27, 2019 | Blogs, Food / Beverage | 0 comments
A few months back, the American Academy of Pediatrics published a technical report on the use of chemicals in food processing and the negative health effects on children. One of the main culprits is phthalates.
The 411 of PhthalatesPhthalates are esters of phthalic acid ― refers to 3 isomers: ortho-isomer or phthalic acid, tere phthalic acid, and meta-isomer iso-phthalic acid. These group of chemical compounds are primarily used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl flexible and pliant to increases flexibility, transparency, and longevity of these products. By weight, they contribute 10-60% of plastic products in our homes, hospitals, cars, and businesses ― detergents, toys, and even in some soaps and shampoos. Talk about an “Everywhere Chemical”!
Phthalates do not chemically bind to the material they are added to, they break down and escape. In other words, water solubility is low and may not biodegrade in the environment. This is particularly concerning when some phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption, cancer, reproduction and development issues.1,2 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that phthalate exposure is widespread in the U.S. population with measurable levels in the general population.
Depending on molecular weight, phthalates are categorized as:
Phthalates in the Food Chain?That’s right. Unfortunately, studies have found phthalates can migrate into food preparation and packaging. From gloves used in food prep, tubing typically used in milk processing, food-packing films, and even coating from cookware.3,4,5,6
In some cases, the use of these chemicals can be illegal. For instance, in 2011 it reported in Taiwan that bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) were illegally used in clouding agents for use in food and beverages.7
Pretty scary, huh? As if the toxicity of these chemicals isn’t bad enough, the nature of these chemicals complicates detection and quantitation. A food testing lab will need to determine a range of phthalate metabolites in different food matrices with varying acceptable chemical limits. Coupled with chemical background and matrix interferences, it’s difficult to accurately sift through it all and accurately identify these compounds.
Detect Phthalates and Other Food Migrants in Food and Beverage Packages Quickly with LC-MS/MSBeyond shelf appeal, food wrappers, packaging, and preparation utensils like gloves protect food from micro-organisms, biological and chemical contaminants. However, a lesser-known fact, that same material could migrate into the actual food we are trying to protect.
Fret not; our team has developed a technical note to demonstrate the:
For further information, download this free method today by completing the form on the right.
References
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is emerging as one of the most concerning ultrashort-chain PFAS in Europe’s food supply – particularly in cereals, a staple consumed daily by millions. A report from PAN Europe reveals a widespread and largely unmonitored contamination trend that raises serious questions about food safety, regulatory blind spots, and future monitoring strategies.
PFAS analysis is complex, but expert guidance doesn’t have to be. In this episode of our ‘Ask the PFAS expert series’, we’re joined by Michael Scherer, Application Lead for Food and Environmental, to answer the most pressing questions in PFAS analysis. From why LC-MS/MS systems are the gold standard for analyzing diverse PFAS compounds, to which EU methods deliver reliable results for drinking water, and to practical steps to prevent contamination, Michael shares actionable insights to help laboratories achieve accuracy, consistency, and confidence in their workflows.
During an LC-MS/MS experiment, traditional fragmentation techniques like collision-induced dissociation (CID) have long been the gold standard. Electron-activated dissociation (EAD) is emerging as a transformative tool that enhances structural elucidation, particularly for complex or labile metabolites.
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