Detection of phthalic acid esters in the packaging films of meat products
The contents of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) were monitored in materials used for packaging films of meat products. A printed sample and a non-printed sample were taken from each of the packaging films analysed, the sample area being 1 dm2, to determine whether or not there is increased presence of phthalates in printed packaging films compared to non-printed packaging films, and to assess possible risks arising from their use. The determination of DBP and DEHP was conducted using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with the Zorbax Eclipse C8 column and UV detection at a wavelength of 224 nm. Concentrations of phthalates ranged from 2.18 to 81.33 µg∙dm-2 in printed samples and from 2.25 to 69.88 µg∙dm-2 in those without printing. This study shows different contents of phthalates in printed and non-printed areas of packaging films. The printed area had in most cases a higher content of phthalates probably due to the content of the substances in the printing colours.