Metrology for food safety in the circular economy: targeted and screening methods for contaminants in food and recycled packaging

To reach Europe’s aim of carbon neutrality by 2050 requires that resources are used in a sustainable way, an objective of the circular economy action plan - a main building block of the European Green Deal. In this recycling of packaging plays a key part. However, recycling can cause contaminants to build up in foods. This includes Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons (MOSH) or Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH), perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS) and metals. As MOAH have been classified by the EU as potentialy genotoxic and carcinogenic, PFAS can lead to health problems such as liver damage, and some metals are toxic, knowing the levels present is vital for safety. Currently there are no reference materials for the quality control of the MOSH and MOAH in food and the ubiquity of PFAS causes problems in sample preperations.

This project will develop and demostrate improved protocols for quantification of MOAH along with sensitive analytical procedures for PFAS and emerging perfluoroalkyl substances in relevant matrices. Reference materials for MOSH, MOAH and PFAS will be created along with screening methods for new and existing organic and inorganic contaminants. For recycled packaging this will enable the identification and quantification of chemical contaminants from previous uses, such as ink residues, adhesives, or cleaning agents.

In the long term this will raise awareness and promote the safe use of recycled materials, provide industry with the tools essential for accurately quantifying agents that unintentionally contaminate food products, and help contribute to Europe’s circular economy.