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In May 2004, the Agency published a Food Survey Information Sheet (FSIS 55/04) entitled 'Chemicals used in plastic materials and articles in contact with food: compliance with statutory limits on composition and migration - year 2'. As part of this 2004 survey, 50 melamine-ware articles were tested for the migration of melamine and formaldehyde (with HMTA expressed as formaldehyde) into a food simulant.
Background:<BR>In May 2004, the Agency published a Food Survey Information Sheet (FSIS 55/04) entitled 'Chemicals used in plastic materials and articles in contact with food: compliance with statutory limits on composition and migration - year 2'. As part of this 2004 survey, 50 melamine-ware articles were tested for the migration of melamine and formaldehyde (with HMTA expressed as formaldehyde) into a food simulant. In most cases levels found were well below the limits in law, however, in 5 samples formaldehyde levels were clearly above the legal maximum (8-76 times higher). As the first part of a 4-year rolling programme of surveys on migration from food contact materials and articles, this new follow-on survey on melamine-ware was commissioned to ascertain whether the UK market is now free from such non-compliant products. Fifty samples have been tested to see whether the Total Specific Migration Limit (SML (T)) for formaldehyde, and HMTA expressed as formaldehyde, is being observed. In response to the findings of the 2004 survey, samples from the Far East were targeted.
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Research Approach:<BR>Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was carried out on all 50 melamine-ware articles to confirm the plastic type. Formaldehyde and HMTA in food simulants was determined by measuring the absorbance at 574 nanometres (nm) using a spectrophotometer. The HMTA was converted to formaldehyde and the formaldehyde reacted with chromotropic acid to form a complex. Quantification was achieved by means of external standard calibration using 3 per cent (w/v) aqueous acetic acid fortified with known amounts of formaldehyde. <P>
Results and findings:<BR> Full details of the survey and results are given in a Food Survey Information Sheet (FSIS 04/08) entitled 'A 4 year rolling programme of surveys on chemical migrants from food contact materials and articles. First year, survey 1: formaldehyde from melamine-ware'. Migration was detected from 43 of the samples tested. Most of the levels found were well below the limits set in law such that 84 per cent of the samples tested were compliant. However, from eight samples formaldehyde levels were clearly above the legal maximum at 6-65 times the SML(T). The Agency took immediate action, working with local enforcement officers and suppliers, to ensure that non-compliant goods were withdrawn from the market. The European Commission and other EU Member States were also informed so that they could take any necessary action.
<P>Dissemination information:<BR> Final report is available from the FSA Library and Information centre. To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Dr Elsie Widdowson Library and Information Services, Food Standards Agency tel: 020 7276 8181/8182 or email: infocentre@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
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Contact: For any enquiries concerning this research project, please contact the relevant Programme contact or email: science@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.