Suspect screening of chemicals in food packaging plastic film by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Authors: Sapozhnikova, Yelena; HOH, EUHNA - San Diego State University

Submitted to: LC GC North America
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/5/2018
Publication Date: 1/1/2019
Citation: Sapozhnikova, Y.V., Hoh, E. 2019. Suspect screening of chemicals in food packaging plastic film by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry. LC GC North America. 37:52-65.

Interpretive Summary: Food packaging is important in protecting food, extending its shelf-life, and providing consumers with food handling convenience. However, during storage and handling, some chemicals from food packaging materials may potentially migrate into packaged food. In this study, chemicals extracted from food packaging plastic stretch film were identified using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC/TOF-MS). Common plasticizers, polymer and plastic additives, UV filters, fragrances, flavoring agents, among others, were identified. Future studies on migration of food packaging chemicals into real foods are needed for risk assessment to protect consumer’s health.

Technical Abstract: In this study, chemicals extracted from a food packaging plastic film with a series of organic solvents were identified with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC/TOF-MS). A total of 91 compounds were tentatively identified in the film extracts based on high mass spectral matching with NIST mass spectral library (70% match similarity, manual review of unique mass spectral fragmentation patterns). The tentatively identified chemicals included common plasticizers: di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), diethyl and dibutyl phthalates; polymer/plastic additives: hexafluorobisphenol A (bisphenol AF), 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyn-4,7-diol (TMDD), methyl dehydroabietate, and 2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate (TXIB); UV filters: homosalate, 2-ethyhexyl salicytate (octisalate); fragrances: cedrol and galaxolide, flavoring agents: n-hexyl salicytate and benzophenone. Additionally, representatives of PAHs, alkylated naphthalenes, linear alkylbenzenes, and phenyl/biphenyl/diphenyl compounds were identified. Unexpected discovery of low chlorinated polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the film extracts suggests their source should be investigated further. The identified compounds were characterized based on use/source, chemical properties and previously reported occurrences in plastic food packaging materials, food and/or the environment.