04 May 2011

Intertek experts use modelling systems to help the plastics packaging and related industries enjoy faster and cost effective determination of specific migration substances for compliance with European Union food contact regulations.

Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world, offers mathematical modelling to determine the specific migration from multi-layer materials. Migration modelling can be used for the formal request for approval at the European Food Safety Agency, during product development or for cross-checking laboratory results. Mathematical modelling requires accurate information regarding the food contact material(s) and the specific migration substances.

Within the European Union, plastic food contact articles need to comply with European Plastics Regulations, including the determination of overall migration and specific migration of substances from food contact articles into food. Performing overall and specific migration tests using food simulants and specified test conditions help achieve compliance with the European Directives.

Specific migration testing can be complex and time consuming, so it is admissible to use screening methods to check materials compliance. Screening for specific migration can be calculated from the residual content of a substance in the material, applying generally recognised diffusion models based on scientific evidence that are constructed such as to overestimate real migration.

In case a material is not compliant by using mathematical modelling, specific migration testing will be necessary as mathematical modelling is based on worst case situation.

Learn more about Intertek food contact services:

Contacts

Chantal Haarmann, Business Development Manager
Telephone: +31 (0)88 126 8888
chantal.haarmann@intertek.com 

Nadine Thomis, Business Development Consultant Regulatory
Telephone: +31 (0)88 126 8888
nadine.thomis@intertek.com 

Erik Holladay, Global Marketing Director
Telephone: +1 713 407 3500
erik.holladay@intertek.com

About Intertek

Intertek (ITRK.L) is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 30,000 people in more than 100 countries around the world. Visit www.intertek.com