Materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs may contain chemical substances that can migrate into food during manufacturing, storage or use. These contaminants, originating in particular from plastics, cardboard, inks, varnishes, adhesives or recycled materials, include compounds such as mineral oils (MOSH/MOAH), bisphenol, phthalates, melamine, etc. Excessive migration of these substances can pose risks to consumer health, including endocrine-disrupting effects, liver or kidney damage, or a potential carcinogenic effect for certain compounds. Their monitoring is therefore essential to guarantee the compliance of food packaging, food safety and consumer protection.
Regulation (EU) 2023/915, applicable from 1 January 2027, will set maximum limits for MOAH in foodstuffs: 0.5 mg/kg for dry foods (fat content ≤4%), 1 mg/kg for foods with a higher fat content (~4%), 2 mg/kg for fats/oils or foodstuffs with a fat content >50%. The draft EU recommendation will set indicative values for MOSH in foodstuffs.
Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 of 14 January 2011 and its subsequent amendments concerning plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, sets specific migration limits (SMLs) for certain phthalates in food packaging.
Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 of 14 January 2011 and its subsequent amendments concerning plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, sets a specific migration limit (SML) for Bisphenol A in food packaging. In France, Law No 2012-1442 suspends the manufacture, import, export and marketing of any food packaging containing Bisphenol A.
Melamine is a chemical intermediate used in the manufacture of resins and plastics. The European texts setting limits on this compound are Regulation (EU) 2023/915 concerning maximum levels for certain contaminants in food, and Commission Regulation (EU) No 107/2013 of 5 February 2013 amending Annex I to Directive 2002/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum levels of melamine in canned pet food.
CONTROL PLAN
Phytocontrol has developed innovative methods using the latest generation technologies for MOSH/MOAH, phthalates, bisphenol A and melamine analyses.
A draft regulation plans to include maximum limits for MOAH in foodstuffs within Regulation 2023/915. Limits will be set for oilseeds and oleaginous fruits, oils and fats, nuts, dried legumes, cereals and derived products, dairy products, spices, herbal infusions, etc. A draft EU recommendation is also under way to set indicative values for MOSH in foodstuffs.
The method developed in the laboratory is performed by LC/GC/FID and enables the detection of MOSH/POSH and MOAH from C10 to C50, with limits of quantification between 0.5 and 1 mg/kg depending on the product.
Phthalates are chemical compounds derived from phthalic acid. Plastic materials are the main source of food contamination.
The method developed and accredited by Phytocontrol using GC-MS/MS enables the detection and quantification of 30 phthalates and other plasticisers in alcoholic beverages, milk, fruit and vegetable juices and sodas, with very low limits of quantification.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical substance formerly used as an additive in the manufacture of plastics and resins. The use of BPA as a monomer in the manufacture of plastic materials and articles has no longer been authorised under Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 since 20 January 2025. Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 prohibited the use of BPA and other hazardous bisphenols or hazardous bisphenol derivatives in food containers.
Phytocontrol is able to determine bisphenol A levels in foodstuffs by LC-MS/MS with a limit of quantification of 0.005 mg/kg, under COFRAC accreditation, in products of plant origin and certain products of animal origin.
Melamine is a chemical compound generally used in the manufacture of plastic materials, can coatings, paper and cardboard, as well as in the manufacture of tableware and kitchen utensils. On its own, it has low toxicity, but experimental studies have shown that its combination with cyanuric acid leads to the formation of nephrotoxic crystals.
Phytocontrol determines melamine levels in foodstuffs intended for human consumption, including infant food, as well as in animal feed, with a limit of quantification of 0.1 mg/kg.
QUALITY
Phytocontrol is accredited by COFRAC for the analysis of contaminants from packaging and processing.
Testimonial
Quality doesn’t stop at the product: it also concerns our packaging. We needed a laboratory able to support us with MOSH/MOAH analyses, with reliable methods and turnaround times compatible with our operations. Phytocontrol has met our expectations thanks to its expertise, responsiveness and the quality of communication.
Beyond the analysis
Understand the risks related to substances that can migrate from packaging into food.
Ensure compliant sampling to improve the reliability of analytical results.
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SECTORS
Phytocontrol supports all food industry professionals in managing risks related to contaminants from packaging and manufacturing processes, in order to guarantee regulatory compliance and food safety.
