T. H. Begley, W. Hsu, G. W. Diachenko, CFSAN, FDA, College Park, MD
Perfluorochemicals because of their stability and chemical resistance are widely used in the manufacturing and processing of a vast array of consumer goods, including electrical wiring, medical devices, clothing, household, and automotive products. Furthermore, relatively small quantities of perfluorochemicals are also used in the manufacturing of food contact substances (FCS) which represent potential sources of oral exposure to these chemicals. The most recognizable products to consumers are the uses of perfluorochemicals in non-stick coatings (polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)) for cookware and also their use in paper coatings for oil and moisture resistance in microwave popcorn bags. Recent epidemiology studies have demonstrated the presence of two particular perfluorochemicals, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in human serum at very low part per billion (ppb) levels. These perfluorochemicals are biopersistent and are the subject of numerous studies investigating the many possible sources of human exposure. Because of this potential for biopersistence, FDA is evaluating the migration characteristics of perfluorochemicals from food contact paper.
In this paper, the types of perfluoro chemicals used in food contact paper will be illustrated, along with methods for their determination. Additionally, research will be presented on the migration of these chemicals into foods or food simulating liquids. Results from migration tests show that fluorotelomers from the paper additives/coatings do transfer to food.