Migration Analysis

There is always an interaction between packaging and food, which allows components of the material in contact with the food to migrate into the food itself. Migration can be verified through tests to demonstrate the suitability of food contact materials.

A migration analysis verifies that:

The material does not release dangerous substances into the food (global or specific migration tests, NIAS screening, set-off studies);
The contact with the material does not alter the organoleptic characteristics of the product (sensory analysis).

Focus on Regulation

Regulation (EU) no. 10/2011 addresses the use of plastic materials and objects intended for contact with food. It provides a list of approved monomers and additives for manufacturers to use, ensuring precise compositional compliance. Additionally, it outlines procedures for conducting migration tests, specifies the simulants to use based on the type of food in contact with the plastic material, and establishes time and temperature conditions to simulate real packaging usage.

Migration Analysis by Mérieux NutriSciences

Global Migration

This test measures the quantity of substances released by the material into a liquid simulating the food’s extractive capacity. It does not identify the specific migrated substances but measures the total quantity of non-volatile substances released under established time and temperature conditions.

Specific Migration of Metals and Amines

This test quantifies metals and primary aromatic amines in the simulant liquid, as required by the amendment to the Regulation on plastic materials and articles intended for contact with food, Reg. (EU) no. 2022/1245.

Specific Migration

This test quantifies specific substances (monomers, additives, metals, etc.) present in the material being tested. These substances are intentionally added by the manufacturer and declared in the supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (DoC).

Our Services

Our team of food contact experts continually updates our migration tests and advice to align with evolving regulations. We offer both global and specific migration tests, along with NIAS screening, in accordance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, we conduct DoC checks to ensure that we identify and appropriately manage all relevant risks.