Preliminary Assessment of Total UV-Absorbing Contaminants Migrating from Philippine-based Microwavable Containers to Fatty / Oily Food Simulant using Modified 21 CFR Part 177 Method

Elyson Keith P. Encarnacion, Winnie P. Alejandro, Rizel Marie S.M. Ting, Anne C. Alcantara, Agaseve F. Del Rosario, Ellaine R. Dioso, David J. Alcarde Jr.

Abstract

Single-use microwavable containers are commonly employed to package food products because they are perceived as convenient, durable, and safe. In this study, a modification of 21 CFR Part 177 validated by Alejandro et al. to profile low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags was used to assess rigid microwavable polypropylene (PP) food packaging. A Welch two-sample t-test between LDPE and PP samples (n=15) yielded tstat = 0, and p (1.00) > 0.05, confirming method robustness. Spectral scanning of 21 brands of Philippine-based microwavable PP containers resulted in a range of 0.008-0.199 AU, indicating large variability. Of the samples analyzed, 23.8% were above the 0.1 AU maximum allowable limit set by the FDA Philippines, implying possible chemical migration upon contact with high-fat, low-moisture food products typically sold in local eateries and quick-service restaurants. Further investigations include migration studies at non-ambient conditions and to other food simulants, and targeted and quantitative analyses.

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IMEKO-TC8-11-24-2025-039.pdf

DOI

10.21014/tc24-2025.039

IMEKO TC

TC24 - Chemical Measurements

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