Abstract

The results are presented of overall migration testing of a wide range of plastic packaging, intended to come into direct contact with foodstuffs, after microwave cooking. The values for overall migration obtained for all the plastic materials tested are significantly below the limit required by Directive 90/128/EEC. Among the materials tested, it can be pointed out that PVC is the material whose overall migration increases most significantly after microwave cooking, and it is also affected by aqueous simulants in contact with it. Acetic acid promotes migration for PVC after microwave cooking. The results have been compared with overall migration of same samples at normal conditions (40°C for 10 days), and after thermal treatment at 80°C and 121°C for 30 minutes.