[Migration of plastic material components into food]

Abstract

Despite constant improvement in the control of interactions between packaging materials and food, the problem remains worrisome. The theoretical study of various type of reactions (absorption, migration, permeation) as well as influential factors are described. The analysis of the French regulation is detailed with a special focus on the January 2003 order. After the description of assay protocols using simulated fluids, the main issues are studied and the future of manufacturing processes and materials is presented.