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Eurofins Ireland >> Food & Feed Testing >> Migration Testing

Migration testing of food packaging

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Migration refers to the transfer of chemical substances from packaging into food. Ensuring that these transfers remain within safe limits is essential for consumer protection and regulatory compliance.

Regulatory framework

Under the European Framework Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004, food contact materials must not:

  • Endanger human health
  • Alter the taste, smell, or appearance of food
  • Change the food’s composition

For plastics, Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 sets out strict requirements. These include an overall migration limit of 60 mg/kg for the combined total of all substances released, as well as specific migration limits (SMLs) for more than 1,000 authorised monomers and additives. Substances such as formaldehyde, bisphenol A, primary aromatic amines (PAAs), and phthalates are subject to particular scrutiny.

In addition, non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) — chemicals that may arise as impurities, degradation products, or by-products — must also be assessed for potential toxicological risk in line with Article 19 of the regulation.

Overall migration testing

Overall migration testing measures the total quantity of substances released from packaging into food, regardless of their nature or toxicological profile. Eurofins Food Testing Ireland offers overall migration analysis according to the harmonised standard EN 1186, using established food simulants including acetic acid, ethanol, iso-octane, vegetable oil, and Tenax®.

Specific migration testing

Specific migration testing focuses on individual substances subject to defined legal limits. We provide analysis for a wide range of chemicals in food contact materials, including:

  • Formaldehyde
  • Bisphenol A
  • Primary aromatic amines (PAAs)
  • Phthalates

For plastics, most tests are performed according to the EN 13130 standard series. Our experts can also help design a compliance testing strategy to ensure that analytical needs are met and that packaging materials conform to regulatory requirements.

For more information about Eurofins companies food testing services please contact our sales team on 01431 1306 or make an enquiry.