Migration study of chemical additives from low density polyethylene (LDPE) into dahi

Dahi is widely used fermented milk product in India. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is the most extensively used packaging material for Dahi in India. The present study was conducted to develop the analytical methods for extraction and migration of chemical additives from LDPE into dahi. Characterization of dahi packaging materials collected from five different firms was done by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Focused ultrasound solid liquid extraction method was observed to be better as compared to solid liquid extraction method as the former extracted maximum additives from the LDPE. Out of total 76 chemical additives extracted from LDPE, only eight (10.52%) matched with the existing positive list of polyolefins prescribed by Bureau of Indian Standads (BIS). The overall migration of chemical additives from all the LDPE samples was below their maximum limit as given by BIS standards. Chemical additives which migrated into the simulants included the antioxidants, fatty acids and their derivatives, unreacted hydrocarbons, plasticizers, lubricants and surfactant etc.

Automated summary

This study aimed to develop analytical methods for the extraction and migration of chemical additives from LDPE packaging materials used for Dahi in India. Focused ultrasound solid liquid extraction method was found to be more effective in extracting additives from LDPE. Out of 76 chemical additives extracted, only 10.52% matched the existing standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The migration of chemical additives from LDPE samples was below the maximum limit set by BIS. The migrated additives included antioxidants, fatty acids and their derivatives, unreacted hydrocarbons, plasticizers, lubricants, and surfactants.