Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons migrating from polystyrene/divinylbenzene-based food contact materials

Single-use utensils made from polystyrene (PS), coming into contact with food or beverages during consumption or storage were analyzed with respect to the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Using the developed sample preparation procedure and high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection allowed the analysis of 14 PS-based items, thereby detecting several PAHs. Additionally the potential migration of PAHs from the PS material into a food simulant (95% ethanol) was investigated experimentally. After 24 h of contact between the PS and the ethanol several PAHs were detected in the food simulant at concentrations in the ng cm3 range.(VLID)358779