Phthalate residues in plastic packaged milk and dairy products
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Phthalate residues in plastic packaged milk and dairy products
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Saad M. M., Ahmed M. B. And Sultan Y. Y.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Phthalate residues in plastic packaged milk and dairy products
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
This study investigates the presence of phthalate residues in plastic-packaged pasteurized milk and dairy products, specifically fermented milk ("Rayeb") and Domuatti cheese, purchased in Cairo, Egypt. Phthalates are organic chemicals primarily used as plasticizers, enhancing the properties of plastic food containers but potentially transferring into food products. The research employed a pre-validated method using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to detect six commonly used phthalate congeners: DMP, DEP, DBP, BBP, DEHP, and DOP. The findings aim to highlight the contamination levels and potential health risks associated with phthalate exposure through dietary intake.
2) Presence of Phthalate Residues
The study's findings indicated that none of the six targeted phthalates were detected in most samples of pasteurized milk, Rayeb, or Domuatti cheese during the first month of production. Only minimal contamination with DEHP and DOP was observed in some samples by the time of expiry, specifically quantifying low levels of 30-88 ng/ml. The research also examined the influence of various factors such as different brands, container sizes, and storage times on the presence of phthalate residues, with results showing that contamination varied by product but remained low overall throughout the testing period.
3) Recovery Percentages and Methodology
The research demonstrated high recovery percentages for the analyzed samples during the validation process, averaging 90.8 ± 5.3% for milk and 91.0 ± 2.1% for Rayeb. The study's methodology involved preparing spiked samples at different concentration levels and analyzing them at two time intervals to track phthalate presence as the products neared expiration. The Domuatti cheese samples showed slightly lower recovery percentages due to additional clean-up steps necessary for accurate analysis. These methodological details underscore the reliability and precision of the analysis conducted.
4) Health Implications and Sources of Exposure
Phthalates pose potential health risks, including endocrine disruption, when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Most human exposure to phthalates occurs through contaminated food, particularly from plastic packaging materials. The research discussed the possible implications of chronic exposure to phthalates in diets, emphasizing the need for monitoring and regulation of food packaging practices in the context of food safety. It recommended further studies to better understand the link between dietary intake of phthalate-contaminated products and associated health risks.
5) Conclusion
In conclusion, this study provides significant insights into the levels of phthalate contamination in commonly consumed dairy products in Egypt. Although most samples tested showed minimal or no detectable levels of phthalates, the presence of low contamination levels in a few samples raises concerns regarding food safety and public health. The research highlights the importance of rigorous testing and monitoring of food products to ensure consumer safety and calls for greater awareness regarding the health implications of plasticizers in food packaging. Further research is necessary to evaluate long-term exposure effects and establish more comprehensive guidelines for food safety standards.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the aim of the study on phthalates in dairy products?
The study aimed to investigate the presence of phthalates in plastic-packaged pasteurized milk and traditional dairy products, specifically Rayeb and Domuatti cheese, available in Cairo, Egypt.
Which phthalate congeners were analyzed in the study?
The study analyzed six phthalate congeners: DMP, DEP, DBP, BBP, DEHP, and DOP, commonly used as plasticizers in food containers.
What method was used to detect phthalate residues?
A pre-validated Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) method was employed to detect phthalate residues in the sampled dairy products.
What were the findings regarding phthalate contamination in the samples?
The study found that most samples showed no contamination, with only low levels of DEHP or DOP detected in a few samples during the storage period.
How were the milk and cheese samples stored before analysis?
Samples were kept sealed in refrigeration at 4-5°C as per manufacturer instructions until the analysis after nine months.
What were the significant recovery percentages for the phthalate analysis?
Recovery percentages for analyzed samples averaged around 90.8% for milk and 88.3% for Domuatti cheese, indicating effective residue detection.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Phthalate residues in plastic packaged milk and dairy products”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Milk:
Milk is a key dairy product analyzed in this study due to its potential contamination from phthalate plasticizers. The research specifically investigates pasteurized milk packaged in plastic containers, highlighting the risks associated with chemical migration from plastics into food, which can affect consumer health and safety.
2) Food:
Food serves as the primary matrix in this research. The study examines how food packaging, particularly plastic containers used for dairy products, can lead to the migration of phthalates into the food, representing broader implications for food safety and the health of consumers exposed to these contaminants.
3) Container:
Container refers to the plastic packaging used for milk and dairy products in this study. The relevance lies in the container's role in the potential leaching of phthalate plasticizers into the food, raising concerns about the safety of using plastic materials for consumables and the need for regulatory measures.
4) Table:
Table refers to the summary visuals used in the research to present data on phthalate recovery rates and levels of contamination found in different dairy products. Tables are crucial for organizing complex data, making it easier for readers to comprehend the findings and draw conclusions regarding safety levels.
5) Egypt:
Egypt is the geographical context for this study, where milk and dairy products are sourced and analyzed. The findings are particularly significant for the local market, addressing public health concerns regarding food safety and contamination in an Egyptian context where the consumption of packaged dairy is widespread.
6) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the research conducted to assess phthalate residues in plastic-packaged dairy products. Its relevance lies in exploring the extent of contamination, recovery rates, and implications for consumer health, thereby contributing important data to the field of food safety and regulatory practices around plastic use.
7) Water:
Water is an essential element in food safety and analyses, often serving as a solvent or medium in both laboratory procedures and food packaging processes. In this study, while not the primary focus, understanding water interaction with phthalate contamination can be relevant for evaluating overall safety in the food production chain.
8) Surrounding:
Surrounding refers to the environment in which food products, especially those packaged in plastic, exist. This concept is relevant in terms of how phthalates can migrate from packaging into food, emphasizing the importance of studying external factors that influence contamination levels in consumer products.
9) Discussion:
Discussion represents a key section in the study where the authors analyze and interpret the data collected. This part is crucial for contextualizing findings, relating them to existing literature, and proposing recommendations or implications for public health and future research on food packaging safety.
10) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the understanding acquired through this study regarding phthalate contamination in dairy products. The significance lies in contributing new insights to the scientific community, particularly about the risks posed by plastic packaging and enhancing awareness among consumers and regulatory bodies about food safety.
11) Substance:
Substance in this context pertains to the various chemical compounds, specifically phthalates, investigated in the packaged dairy products. Understanding these substances' properties and health effects is essential for evaluating food safety, consumer exposure risks, and establishing safe levels for use in food packaging.
12) Relative:
Relative in this study indicates the comparison and assessment between different factors, such as the levels of contamination across various dairy products or the effectiveness of recovery rates. This comparative analysis aids in establishing clearer insights into the safety standards necessary for food packaging materials.
13) Dealing:
Dealing refers to the understanding and management of issues surrounding phthalate contamination in food products. This term is relevant as it highlights the need for active strategies and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, including manufacturers and consumers, to navigate risks associated with plastic packaging in the food industry.
14) Medam (Mēdam):
Medam is a traditional Egyptian food mentioned in relation to previous studies on contamination. While not a primary focus of this study, its inclusion signifies the importance of regional dishes in evaluating the broader impact of phthalates on traditional and modern Egyptian food systems.
15) Deha:
Deha, referring to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, is one of the phthalate plasticizers analyzed in this study. Understanding its prevalence and risks associated with its migration from packaging into food is essential for assessing potential health impacts and reinforcing regulatory standards related to food safety.
16) Soil:
Soil is relevant in the broader context of phthalate contamination, as it relates to environmental exposure pathways. Although the study focuses on food products, understanding how substances migrate from soil to food sources is integral to comprehending the comprehensive impacts of plastic pollution on food safety.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Phthalate residues in plastic packaged milk and dairy products’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Fermented milk, Dietary Intake, Food safety, Recovery percentage, Coefficient of Variation, Human Health, Human exposure, Exposure assessment, Food additive, Plastic bottles, Dairy product.