The occurrence of phthalate ester and di‐2‐ethylhexyl adipate plasticizers in Canadian packaging and food sampled in 1985–1989: A survey

Selected foods (260 samples) packaged in materials with the potential to contribute plasticizers to the food, and available food composites (98 samples) obtained from the Canadian Health Protection Branch Total Diet Program, were analysed for phthalate plasticizers and di-2-ethylhexyl adipate (DEHA). The available contacting packaging was also analysed for plasticizers. The results show DEHA in food-contacting film and as a migrant in store-wrapped meat, poultry, fish, cheese and ready-to-eat foods at levels as high as 310 micrograms/g (cheese). DEHA levels in unheated film-wrapped ready-to-eat foods were increased by heating. The di-2-ethylhexyl, dibutyl, butylbenzyl and diethyl phthalate esters (DEHP, DBP, BBP and DEP, respectively) were also found in both the packaging and the contacted foods. Low levels of DEHP (0.065 micrograms/g, average in beverages and 0.29 micrograms/g, average in foods) associated with the use of DEHP-plasticized cap or lid seals, were found in a variety of glass-packaged foods; DBP, BBP and DEHP were found, as previously described, in butter and margarine as migrants from the aluminium foil-paper laminates; and DEP in pies at 1.8 micrograms/g (average) as a migrant from the pie carton windows. In most cases, plasticizers detected in the food were also found in the associated packaging. When possible, 'core' or non-contacting food portions were analysed to verify the migration phenomena.