Determinação de metais presentes em corantes e pigmentos utilizados em embalagens para alimentos

Among the additives used in the formulation of food packaging, specially in plastics packaging, areincluded substances which provide coloration, classified as coloring or pigments according to their solubilityor insolubility in the polymer. The addition of these substances into packaging materials satisfies anesthetic and technological requirements. The metals eventually present as contaminants in colorings andpigments for packaging can migrate to food causing health damages. The purpose of the present studywas to verify and to control the levels of lead, cadmium and zinc, in these products and to validate theanalytical methodology in accordance to Mercosul Regulations (Resolucao No105/99 ANVISA/MS). Thequantification of these metals was performed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry technique. Of 407samples, 5% were in disagreement with the legislation limits. The high levels of those metals found inanalyzed samples justify the continuous control that should be done in this kind of products.