Migration and permeation of mineral oil components from paper-based food contact materials into foods - A critical comparison of analytical methods

Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) have been focused upon for their ability to migrate out of recycled, paper-based food contact materials. Their transfer into food products is controlled and predicted using various methods. This article provides insight into a variety of testing methods concerned with the migration and permeation of MOH. The influence of the experimental design and analytical approaches on the results is critically discussed. The research on and the potential of theoretical approaches by mathematical modelling are considered. Migration test conditions have not been regulated thus far. Those based on existing regulations dealing with polymers are generally inappropriate. In principle, there should be a focus on the application of food simulants and model substances. There is a wide range of barrier efficiency test methods for the adequate use of functional barrier materials. Permeation experiments, which result in physicochemical properties of the barrier, seem to be more suitable. Mathematical modeling has a high potential for simplifying the evaluation of the quantity of MOH in food.