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This project developed methodology that used either soxhlet extraction, or dissolution followed by solvent extraction depending on the material type, followed by purification via chromatography on deactivated alumina. The procedures were internally standardised by 13C-labelling. The analytes were measured and quantified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The methodology was validated.
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Data are on reproducibility of measurement, limits of detection, recovery, and linearity of measurement. Results of duplicate analyses are also reported.
Some studies have identified the occurrence of a mixture of substances generally referred to as nonylphenol, in environmental biota, such as fish and bivalves, but less is known about its possible occurrence in other foods or in packaging materials. Nonylphenol may derive from the hydrolysis of trisnonylphenylphosphite that is used as an antioxidant in several polymers used as food packaging materials. Nonylphenol might also derive from this compounds polyethoxylates which are used as emulsifiers in food packaging polymers and papers.
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It is not established that nonylphenol can migrate into food from packaging. But there have been reports in the literature that indicate this might happen. The first step in investigating this was to develop a method of analysis for this mixture of substances in materials and articles, in contact with food or drink.
<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>.