C01048: Determination of phthalates in foods and establishing methodology to distinguish their source
Tuesday 6 May 2008
Background
The objectives of this work are to allow total dietary intakes to be estimated, examine whether it is possible to distinguish between environmental and food contact material sources of phthalates in foods, and establish the ranges of phthalates concentrations in food. The results will allow comparison with previous surveys for phthalates in foods carried out by MAFF and provide information on phthalates in foods not previous surveyed. The results will also inform negotiations in the event of limits for the phthalates from environmental sources in food being proposed at a future date.
Research Approach
The methodology will be validated for some individual phthalates. Total Diet Study samples will be analysed to allow estimation of dietary intakes. 40 retail samples will be analysed to attempt to distinguish food contact and environmental sources of phthalates. Up to 250 retail foods will be analysed to establish the ranges of phthalates in food.
Additional Information
To try to distinguish food contact and environmental sources of phthalates, the 40 samples will be selected to include foods likely on the basis of previous surveys to contain phthalates originating from both sources. Some samples will be analysed immediately on receipt by CSL, others will be stored as by a consumer until their use by or best before dates to allow maximum migration. For some samples separate analyses of portions at different distances from the surface will be analysed, and a computer software package used to assess the results for migration.
Published papers
Food Survey Information Sheets Nos. 60, 82, 83 and 168.