Migration From Food Contact Materials

The transfer of substances from food contact materials to food (migration) constitutes an underestimated source of food contamination. The issue of migration is highlighted by examples of substances, for which there is scientific literature. Solutions for risk mitigation are only available for a sub-set of these. There are, however, thousands of unidentified substances, which may migrate and arguably pose the biggest risk, as the toxicology of most of these is unknown. One of the main scientific challenges is the identification and quantification of these substances, for which some strategies are referenced. Food safety would benefit greatly from more attention in the area of food contact materials, which still includes many low-hanging fruits.