Quantitation of residual solvents in food packaging by automated headspace–trap GC–MS
Application Note 252
Packaging for foodstuffs is used to convey information and to protect the food during shipping and storage, but it can be a source of contaminants, including residual solvents.
As well as off-odours, contaminants can give rise to health concerns, so residual solvents in food packaging are regulated in the US (under 21CFR175) and the EU (under EC 1935/2004).
Analysis of packaging for the determination of residual solvents typically uses static headspace–GC in accordance with EN 13628-1 or -2.
This study shows that headspace samples acquired on the new Centri® sample extraction and enrichment platform for gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) can be used to screen food packaging for residual solvents and other additives.
