A Review Study on the Migration of Substances from Packaging Material into Foodstuffs

In the terminology of food packaging, the term “migration” commonly describes the transfer of materials from package into food product. In terms of packaging materials safety, it is of paramount importance to investigate the migration of substances from plastics, papers, cardboards or lacquered materials. The materials called “migrants” transfer into food as a result of food and packaging interactions. Migration of substances from packaging material into foodstuffs obeys the general laws of mass transfer and occurs based on “diffusion” phenomenon. This phenomenon may strongly influenced by the intrinsic reactivity of food ingredients and packaging materials. These reactions may alter the properties of the package. The type of chemical migrated into food is strongly depend on the type of food container. Food packaging materials are generally in close contact with food products for a long time. Because of such favorable conditions leads to transfer of materials from packaging into food; many countries have enacted regulations for the control of packaging materials to decrease their risks for human health.