Plasticizer Testing

Plasticizers, commonly known as phthalates, are a group of chemical compounds widely used to improve the flexibility, durability, and workability of plastics. They are often added to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other polymeric materials found in food packaging, processing equipment, and storage containers. However, phthalates are not chemically bound to plastics and can migrate into food products during production, transport, or storage. Due to their potential health hazards, including endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and developmental effects, phthalates have become a global public health concern. As food safety regulations continue to tighten, ensuring that food and food-contact materials comply with limits for plasticizer content is essential. Alfa Chemistry, a leading provider of analytical and testing services, offers comprehensive plasticizer testing solutions to support food producers, importers, and packaging manufacturers in achieving compliance with international regulations and safeguarding consumer health.

Regulatory oversight of plasticizers

Phthalate regulation varies by region, but all major authorities impose strict limits on their use in food contact materials and products.

• European Union: The EU Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 on plastic materials in contact with food specifies migration limits for certain phthalates.
• United States: In the U.S., FDA 21 CFR governs plasticizers in food contact applications and has revoked approvals for many phthalates.
• China: The National Food Safety Standards (GB standards), such as GB 9685 and GB 4806 series, stipulate the types and maximum migration limits (SMLs) for permitted additives in food contact materials.
• Other regions: Countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Canada have also issued their own restrictions and testing requirements for phthalates in food packaging and food products.

Our plasticizer testing services cover a wide range of:

• Food Products: We specialize in testing all food matrices, with a particular focus on high-fat foods (oils, dairy, meat, infant formula), alcoholic beverages, beverages, fruit juices, food flavorings and essences, jams, fruit pastes, jellies, health foods, dietary supplements, instant noodles, instant rice products, baked and pastry foods, as plasticizers are lipophilic and tend to migrate easily into these products.
• Food Contact Materials (FCMs):Testing of the materials themselves is a preventative measure. This includes PVC films, flexible plastics, rigid containers, and seals/gaskets in metal lids.

Our laboratory can identify and quantify a broad spectrum of commonly used plasticizers:

Our plasticizer testing employs advanced analytical technologies, including:

Our advantages:

With increasing global scrutiny on plasticizer contamination, reliable testing has become indispensable for food safety and regulatory compliance. Alfa Chemistry's plasticizer testing services provide comprehensive analytical support to identify, quantify, and control phthalate residues across a wide range of food products and their packaging materials. By leveraging cutting-edge analytical techniques and deep regulatory expertise, we help clients ensure that their products meet both domestic and international safety standards, protecting consumers and preserving brand reputation.