Migration from plastic packaging into meat

Mechanistic applications of low-temperature plasma in starch-based biopolymer film: A review

The substitution of traditional packaging with bio-based edible films has emerged as a new research direction. The starch biopolymer films currently studied by researchers exhibit issues such as inadequate physical properties, barrier performance, mechanical strength, and biological activity. Consequently, a range of advanced techniques are employed to enhance the properties of biopolymer films. Low-temperature plasma stands out as an emerging multi-functional non-thermal green molecular surface modification technology that has been particularly effective in enhancing starch biopolymer films. Furthermore, owing to its non-thermal characteristics, low-temperature plasma is particularly suitable for heat-sensitive materials. Consequently, this study aims to investigate the impact of low-temperature plasma technology on enhancing the properties of biopolymer film substrates, elucidate its mechanisms of action on starch films and starch composite films, refine methods for modifying biopolymer films, and conduct a rational analysis of any contradictions.

Impact of DEHP exposure on female reproductive health: Insights into uterine effects

Several endocrine disrupting compounds released from plastics, including polyfluoroalkyl substances, bisphenols, flame retardants, phthalates and others, are of great concern to human health due to their high toxicity. This review discusses the effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), the most common member of the phthalate family, on female reproduction. In vitro and in vivo studies link DEHP exposure to impaired hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian s (HPO) axis function, alteration of steroid-hormone levels and dysregulation of their receptors, and changes in uterine morphophysiology. In addition, high urinary DEPH levels have been associated with several reproductive disorders in women, including endometriosis, fibromyoma, fetal growth restriction and pregnancy loss. These data suggest that DEHP may be involved in the pathophysiology of various female reproductive diseases. Therefore, exposure to these compounds should be considered a concern in clinician surveillance practices for women at reproductive age and should be regulated to protect their health and that of their progeny.

Are the BPA analogues an alternative to classical BPA? Comparison between 2D and alternative 3D in vitro neuron model to assess cytotoxic and genotoxic effects

BPA is used in a wide range of consumer products with very concern toxicological properties. The European Union has restricted its use to protect human health. Industry has substituted BPA by BPA analogues. However, there is a lack of knowledge about their impacts. In this work, BPA and 5 BPA analogues (BPS, BPAP, BPAF, BPFL and BPC) have been studied in classical SH-SY5Y and the alternative 3D in vitro models after 24 and 96 h of exposure. Cell viability, percentage of ROS, cell cycle phases as well as the morphology of the spheroids were measured. The 2D model was more sensitive than the 3D models with differences in cell viability higher than 60% after 24 h of exposure, and different mechanisms of ROS production. After chronic exposure, both models were more affected in comparison to the 24 h exposure. After a recovery time (96 h), the spheroids exposed to 2.5-40 µM were able to recover cell viability and the morphology. Among the BPs tested, BPFL>BPAF>BPAP and >BPC revealed higher toxicological effects, while BPS was the only one with lower effects than BPA. To conclude, the SH-SY5Y 3D model is a suitable candidate to perform more reliable in vitro neurotoxicity tests.

A regional approach for health risk assessment of toxicants in plastic food containers

Plastic food containers are being used popularly, generating a waste of about 115 million tons in Vietnam. Such waste is causing environmental and health issues. This study conducted a field survey with 250 local people and selected 59 samples out of 135 plastic food containers collected in Go Vap district, Vietnam. Collected plastic samples identified compositions were PET 13.6%, PP 28.8%, PS 16.9%, and 40.7% undefined plastics. Collected plastic samples were classified based on the plastic type using recycling code and quantitatively analyzed with X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy method to assess concentrations of Cd, Sb, Pb, Hg, Sn, Cr, Br, Cl, and S. Most of these collected plastic samples (91.5%) were found to contain 8/9 hazardous substances and most elements contained in these plastics were below their standard thresholds. These elements in plastic samples could be divided as the result into three hazard groups: (1) high hazard group (Sb, Cl, and S); (2) medium hazard group (Cr, Br and Hg); and (3) low hazard groups (Cd, Pb and Sn). Among substances in the high hazard group, element Sb was assessed for its migration because only Sb is regulated in Vietnam in QCVN 12-1: 2011/BYT. Substances of Cl, S, Cr, Br, and Hg (group 1, 2) do not have regulations related to the method of decontamination. Thus, additional health risks need to be assessed using the USEtox model. Finally, this study proposed a screening process to assess the risk of toxicity of elements contained in plastic food containers through ISO 31000:2018.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-023-00194-0.

Cooking food in microwavable plastic containers: in situ formation of a new chemical substance and increased migration of polypropylene polymers

Microwavable plastic food containers can be a source of toxic substances. Plastic materials such as polypropylene polymers are typically employed as safe materials in food packaging, but recent research demonstrates the migration of plastic substances or their by-products to food simulants, to foodstuff, and, more recently, to the human body through food consumption. However, a thorough evaluation of foodstuff in food contact materials under cooking conditions has not yet been undertaken. Here we show for the first time that plastic migrants present in food contact materials can react with natural food components resulting in a compound that combines a UV-photoinitiator (2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-1-one) with maltose from potato starch; this has been identified after cooking potatoes in microwavable plastic food containers. Additionally, polypropylene glycol substances have been found to transfer into food through microwave cooking. Identifying these substances formed in situ requires state-of-the-art high-resolution mass spectrometry instrumentation and metabolomics-based strategies.

Migration of microplastics from plastic packaging into foods and its potential threats on human health

Microplastics from food packaging material have risen in number and dispersion in the aquatic system, the terrestrial environment, and the atmosphere in recent decades. Microplastics are of particular concern due to their long-term durability in the environment, their great potential for releasing plastic monomers and additives/chemicals, and their vector-capacity for adsorbing or collecting other pollutants. Consumption of foods containing migrating monomers can lead to accumulation in the body and the build-up of monomers in the body can trigger cancer. The book chapter focuses the commercial plastic food packaging materials and describes their release mechanisms of microplastics from packaging into foods. To prevent the potential risk of microplastics migrated into food products, the factors influencing microplastic to the food products, e.g., high temperatures, ultraviolet and bacteria, have been discussed. Additionally, as many evidences shows that the microplastic components are toxic and carcinogenic, the potential threats and negative effects on human health have also been highlighted. Moreover, future trends is summarized to reduce the microplastic migration by enhancing public awareness as well as improving waste management.

Recent Progress in Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for Food Monitoring

Throughout the food supply chain, including production, storage, and distribution, food can be contaminated by harmful chemicals and microorganisms, resulting in a severe threat to human health. In recent years, the rapid advancement and development of nanotechnology proposed revolutionary solutions to solve several problems in scientific and industrial areas, including food monitoring. Nanotechnology can be incorporated into chemical and biological sensors to improve analytical performance, such as response time, sensitivity, selectivity, reliability, and accuracy. Based on the characteristics of the contaminants and the detection methods, nanotechnology can be applied in different ways in order to improve conventional techniques. Nanomaterials such as nanoparticles, nanorods, nanosheets, nanocomposites, nanotubes, and nanowires provide various functions for the immobilization and labeling of contaminants in electrochemical and optical detection. This review summarizes the recent advances in nanotechnology for detecting chemical and biological contaminations in the food supply chain.

Multi-Residue Analysis of Chemical Additives in Edible Vegetable Oils Using QuEChERS Extraction Method Followed by Supercritical Fluid Chromatography

Since the quality and safety of food highly depend on its preservation and protection, the use of food packaging materials increases the risk of chemical contamination of the packaged food by migration. Herein, we focused on antioxidants, photoinitiators, UV absorbers and plasticizers which are extensive additives used in food packaging materials. In the present study, a rapid, simple, green and reliable method was developed and validated for the determination of twelve chemical additives in edible vegetable oils using SFC together with a modified QuEChERS procedure. Under the optimum conditions, twelve additives were separated within 10 min, and the consumption of the organic solvent was significantly reduced, which improved the environmentally friendliness. The performance of the developed method was evaluated. Good linearity (r > 0.999) was obtained in the range of 0.20−20.0 µg/mL and 0.50−20.0 µg/mL, respectively. The limits of detection and limits of quantification of the twelve additives in vegetable oils were 0.05−0.15 µg/mL and 0.15−0.50 µg/mL, respectively. Recoveries of all the chemical additives for the spiked samples were between 60.9% and 106.4%, with relative standard deviations (RSD) lower than 9.9%. The results demonstrated that the proposed method was efficient, reliable and robust for the routine analysis of additives in edible vegetable oils and can be an alternative to the multi-residue analysis of chemical additives for other packaged foods.

Bisphenol and Phthalate Migration Test from Mexican Meat Packaging Using HPLC-DAD Technique

The objective of this work was to analyze the bisphenols’ and phthalates’ (PAEs) migration from meat packages (of sausages, Winnies, and ham found in Mexican markets) to a water simulant. The determination of these compounds was realized by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and diode array detection (DAD) at a wavelength of 254 nm. The mobile phase utilized was a mixture of acetonitrile:H2O (70 : 30). Elution was performed isocratically at a temperature of 25°C and at a flow rate of 1 mL min−1. The LOQs obtained for BPA, DEP, BADGE, DBP, BisDMA, DHP, DOP, and PA in µg mL−1 were 0.53, 2.09, 0.85, 1.45, 5.81, 1.03, 3.12, and 29.6, respectively. Calibration curves exhibited an adequate determination coefficient for all compounds (R2 >0.999). Excellent accuracy and precision in measurements (% RSD) were achieved. The recovery study showed good applicability of the method (percentage recovery 80% to 106%). The BPA, BADGE, DBP, and DOP concentrations found in samples exceeded the simulant migration limits (SMLs) established by the European Union. The contribution of the current investigation was to provide information related to the presence of bisphenols and PAEs in the package of meat products, highlighting the health risks associated with their exposure.

Translocation of Phthalates From Food Packaging Materials Into Minced Beef

There has been increased concern regarding the potential human health risks associated with exposure to phthalates. Research indicates that food intake is the most critical exposure pathway for phthalates. This study aimed to investigate packaged beef samples for the presence of dimethyl terephthalate (DMTP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), and diisooctyl phthalate (DiOP) and to assess their translocation from the common form of food packaging procured from various Saint-Petersburg and Leningrad region shops. The packaging samples include paper and different types of plastic. Phthalates were extracted by dichloromethane and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). While DnBP had the highest mean values in beef from 34.5 to 378.5 μg·kg⁻¹, DiOP displayed the lowest mean values from LOD to 37 μg·kg⁻¹. The larger contact area and the presence of distributed fat on the surface of the minced meat resulted in significantly higher phthalate translocation than beef slices. Further, DMTP was not detected in any samples. However, the examined food packages do not meet the requirements of Russian, EU and USA legislation, as DnBP migrates to meat. Calculated maximum DnBP daily intake of 0.167 μg·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹ for chilled minced beef in vacuum packaging did not exceed tolerable daily intake (TDI) level. The most alarming results are concerning the phthalates presence in beef farmed in the Leningrad region and not subjected to any plastic packaging. A full-scale study is warranted to determine the pathways and sources of phthalates migration in the food chain.

Incorporation of Lipids into Wheat Bran Cellulose/Wheat Gluten Composite Film Improves Its Water Resistance Properties

This work evaluated the improvement effects of lipids incorporation on water resistance of composite biodegradable film prepared with wheat bran cellulose/wheat gluten (WBC/WG) using an alkaline–ethanol film forming system. Four types of lipids, paraffin wax (PW), beeswax (BW), paraffin oil (PO), and oleic acid (OA), were tested. We found that PW, BW, and PO incorporation at 5–20% improved water vapor permeability (WVP) and surface hydrophobicity of prepared films. Particularly, incorporation of 15% BW could best improve the water resistance properties of the film, with the lowest WVP of 0.76 × 10⁻¹² g/cm·s·Pa and largest water contact angle (WCA) of 86.18°. Incorporation of OA led to the decline in moisture barrier properties. SEM images revealed that different lipids incorporation changed the morphology and of the composite film, and cross-sectional morphology indicated BW-incorporated film obtained more uniform and compact structures compared to other films. Moreover, Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated that the incorporation of PW or BW enhanced the molecular interactions between the film components, confirmed by the chemical shift of characteristic peaks at 3277 and 1026 cm⁻¹. Differential scanning calorimetry results revealed that incorporation of PW, BW, and PO increased films’ melting point, decomposition temperatures, and enthalpy values. Furthermore, the presence of most lipids decreased tensile strength and elongation at the break of the film. Overall, the composite film containing 15% BW obtained the most promising water resistance performance and acceptable mechanical properties, and it thus most suitable as a hydrophobic biodegradable material for food packaging.

Assessing Knowledge and Use Practices of Plastic Food Packaging among Young Adults in South Africa: Concerns about Chemicals and Health

Chemicals associated with health problems can migrate from packaging into food matrices. Therefore, consumers need to be aware of health concerns associated with incorrectly used plastic food packaging. However, little is known about consumers’ knowledge and their plastics usage practices. This study assessed this knowledge and practices among young South African adult consumers. Our online survey of 293 participants focused on their objective (actual) and subjective (self-perceived) knowledge about plastic food packaging care and safety, their utilization practices, and their sources of information about safe use of plastics. Participants’ utilization practices showed broad misuse. Their subjective knowledge about the correct use of plastic packaging was in most respects contradicted by their limited objective knowledge. We found that plastic identification codes on packaging largely failed in their informative purpose; instead, participants mainly consulted informal information sources about plastics. The knowledge gaps, unsafe plastic use practices, and information source deficiencies identified here can help to guide future improvements. We call for consumer education, across all demographics, about plastic utilization practices and associated health concerns about plastic chemicals. We also highlight the need for the government, food and plastics industries to join forces in ensuring that consumers are informed about safe plastic packaging usage.

Integrating Antioxidant Functionality into Polymer Materials: Fundamentals, Strategies, and Applications

While antioxidants are widely known as natural components of healthy food and drinks or as additives to commercial polymer materials to prevent their degradation, recent years have seen increasing interest in enhancing the antioxidant functionality of newly developed polymer materials and coatings. This paper provides a critical overview and comparative analysis of multiple ways of integrating antioxidants within diverse polymer materials, including bulk films, electrospun fibers, and self-assembled coatings. Polyphenolic antioxidant moieties with varied molecular architecture are in the focus of this Review, because of their abundance, nontoxic nature, and potent antioxidant activity. Polymer materials with integrated polyphenolic functionality offer opportunities and challenges that span from the fundamentals to their applications. In addition to the traditional blending of antioxidants with polymer materials, developments in surface grafting and assembly via noncovalent interaction for controlling localization versus migration of antioxidant molecules are discussed. The versatile chemistry of polyphenolic antioxidants offers numerous possibilities for programmed inclusion of these molecules in polymer materials using not only van der Waals interactions or covalent tethering to polymers, but also via their hydrogen-bonding assembly with neutral molecules. An understanding and rational use of interactions of polyphenol moieties with surrounding molecules can enable precise control of concentration and retention versus delivery rate of antioxidants in polymer materials that are critical in food packaging, biomedical, and environmental applications.

Chemical Contamination Pathways and the Food Safety Implications along the Various Stages of Food Production: A Review

Historically, chemicals exceeding maximum allowable exposure levels have been disastrous to underdeveloped countries. The global food industry is primarily affected by toxic chemical substances because of natural and anthropogenic factors. Food safety is therefore threatened due to contamination by chemicals throughout the various stages of food production. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the form of pesticides and other chemical substances such as Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) have a widely documented negative impact due to their long-lasting effect on the environment. This present review focuses on the chemical contamination pathways along the various stages of food production until the food reaches the consumer. The contamination of food can stem from various sources such as the agricultural sector and pollution from industrialized regions through the air, water, and soil. Therefore, it is imperative to control the application of chemicals during food packaging, the application of pesticides, and antibiotics in the food industry to prevent undesired residues on foodstuffs. Ultimately, the protection of consumers from food-related chemical toxicity depends on stringent efforts from regulatory authorities both in developed and underdeveloped nations.

Nutritional Orthopedics and Space Nutrition as Two Sides of the Same Coin: A Scoping Review

Since the Moon landing, nutritional research has been charged with the task of guaranteeing human health in space. In addition, nutrition applied to Orthopedics has developed in recent years, driven by the need to improve the efficiency of the treatment path by enhancing the recovery after surgery. As a result, nutritional sciences have specialized into two distinct fields of research: Nutritional Orthopedics and Space Nutrition. The former primarily deals with the nutritional requirements of old patients in hospitals, whereas the latter focuses on the varied food challenges of space travelers heading to deep space. Although they may seem disconnected, they both investigate similar nutritional issues. This scoping review shows what these two disciplines have in common, highlighting the mutual features between (1) pre-operative vs. pre-launch nutritional programs, (2) hospital-based vs. space station nutritional issues, and (3) post-discharge vs. deep space nutritional resilience. PubMed and Google Scholar were used to collect documents published from 1950 to 2020, from which 44 references were selected on Nutritional Orthopedics and 44 on Space Nutrition. Both the orthopedic patient and the astronaut were found to suffer from food insecurity, malnutrition, musculoskeletal involution, flavor/pleasure issues, fluid shifts, metabolic stresses, and isolation/confinement. Both fields of research aid the planning of demand-driven food systems and advanced nutritional approaches, like tailored diets with nutrients of interest (e.g., vitamin D and calcium). The nutritional features of orthopedic patients on Earth and of astronauts in space are undeniably related. Consequently, it is important to initiate close collaborations between orthopedic nutritionists and space experts, with the musculoskeletal-related dedications playing as common fuel.

Rheological and Antimicrobial Properties of Chitosan and Quinoa Protein Filmogenic Suspensions with Thyme and Rosemary Essential Oils

Food packaging faces the negative impact of synthetic materials on the environment, and edible coatings offer one alternative from filmogenic suspensions (FS). In this work, an active edible FS based on chitosan (C) and quinoa protein (QP) cross-linked with transglutaminase was produced. Thyme (T) and rosemary (R) essential oils (EOs) were incorporated as antimicrobial agents. Particle size, Z potential, and rheological parameters were evaluated. The antimicrobial activity against Micrococcus luteus (NCIB 8166) and Salmonella sp. (Lignieres 1900) was monitored using atomic force microscopy and image analysis. Results indicate that EOs incorporation into C:QP suspensions did not affect the Z potential, ranging from -46.69 ± 3.19 mV to -46.21 ± 3.83 mV. However, the polydispersity index increased from 0.51 ± 0.07 to 0.80 ± 0.04 in suspensions with EO. The minimum inhibitory concentration of active suspensions against Salmonella sp. was 0.5% (v/v) for thyme and 1% (v/v) for rosemary. Entropy and fractal dimension of the images were used to confirm the antimicrobial effect of EOs, which modified the surface roughness.

[Reduction of the waste produced by convenience food consumption-Opportunities and challenges of deposit return based re-use containers]

The market for convenience food and services, like food-delivery, takeaway, and pre-prepared meals is steadily growing. Many of these products are offered in single use packaging. Consequently, the waste produced by convenience food consumption is also growing. Information from literature and available data from companies provide are used to provide an overview of this waste. Even though plastics contribute a significant part to this waste, it is just a part of it. Additionally, the substitutes used instead of plastics nowadays are mostly designed for single-use application. In terms of resource sustainability, the avoidance of waste production should be imperative. With this respect re-use containers gain a growing interest and are discussed as a good future option for some convenience food sectors. Examples reveal that the annual waste production linked to takeaway food could be reduced by over 90% by implementation of re-use containers. Furthermore, they also reduce the cost of waste management, and create new job opportunities.However, besides opportunities there are challenges. The theoretical waste reduction potential is high, the one gained in practice, however, is rather low. This is due to customers and sales stuff alike. Furthermore, the infrastructure required for such systems to work smoothly is not available everywhere. Especially space for cleaning, drying and storage of the re-use containers is sparse, depending on the type of facility.Finally, questions concerning the material used for re-use containers remain unanswered yet. Especially the growing concerns about Plastic Micro- and Nanobeads remain to be a black box.

Identification of non-volatile migrants from baby bottles by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS

Baby bottles made of polypropylene, Tritan® and silicone were evaluated regarding the migration of non-volatile compounds using UPLC-QTOF-MS. Twenty-seven compounds were identified. In all polypropylene samples the migration of 2.2'-(tridecylimino)bis-ethanol and derivatives thereof were detected in concentrations below the specific migration limit (1.2 mg.kg^-1). Furthermore, clarifying agents and glycerol derivatives were detected. Tritan baby bottle showed the migration of one slip additive. On the other hand, twenty compounds were detected in silicone baby bottles. Most of them were unknown compounds derived from acrylates. Once the migrants were identified, the risk assessment was carried out using the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approach. The risk assessment of migrants coming from silicone samples showed levels above the threshold recommended as safe for babies.

Diets contaminated with Bisphenol A and Di-isononyl phtalate modify skeletal muscle composition: A new target for environmental pollutant action

In the last years, an increasing number of studies reported that food pollution represents a significant route of exposure to environmental toxicants, able to cause mild to severe food illnesses and health problems, including hormonal and metabolic diseases. Pollutants can accumulate in organisms and biomagnify along the food web, finally targeting top consumers causing health and economic problems. In this study, adults of gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata, were fed with diets contaminated with Bisphenol A (BPA) (4 and 4000 μg BPA kg^-1 bw day^-1) and Di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP) (15 and 1500 μg DiNP kg^-1 bw day^-1), to evaluate the effects of the contamination on the muscle macromolecular composition and alterations of its texture. The analysis conducted in the muscle using infrared microspectroscopy, molecular biology and biochemical assays, showed, in fish fed BPA contaminated diets, a decrease of unsaturated lipids and an increase of triglycerides and saturated alkyl chains. Conversely, in fish fed DiNP, a decrease of lipid content, caused by a reduction of both saturated and unsaturated chains and triglycerides was measured. Protein content was decreased by both xenobiotics evidencing a novel macromolecular target affected by these environmental contaminants. In addition, in all treated groups, proteins resulted more phosphorylated than in controls. Calpain and cathepsin levels, orchestrating protein turnover, were deregulated by both xenobiotics, evidencing alterations of muscle composition and texture. In conclusion, the results obtained suggest the ability of BPA and DiNP to modify the muscle macromolecular building, advising this tissue as a target of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) and providing a set of biomarkers as possible monitoring endpoints to develop novel OEDC test guidelines.