Evaluation of biopolymers in contact with food stuffs

 

ITC analytical laboratories have been evaluating food contact products for more than 20 years according to Czech, European and many other legislations. In addition to commonly used polymeric materials, the laboratories are now also evaluating biopolymers that are beginning to appear on the market, especially for disposable cutlery and packaging. These new polymers include Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), abbreviated as PHBV polymer, or polyhydroxyvalerate, abbreviated as PHV polymer. They are formed by the action of bacteria, are thermoplastic polyesters and are completely biodegradable in nature.

 

In the framework of the evaluation of these biopolymers, according to the legislation in force (COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 10/2011 of 14 January 2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food), the specific migration of crotonic acid must also be determined, as it is produced as a reaction product during the heating (processing) of these polymers. The ITC laboratories are able to determine this substance at the required detection level of 0,05 mg/kg of the food simulant using gas chromatography with tandem mass detection.

 

For more information on health safety assessment of biopolymers, please contact our specialists: