Migration and Safety Assessment of 20 Antioxidants in 39 Disposable Biodegradable Tableware Products

TL;DR

This study assesses the migration and safety of 20 antioxidants in biodegradable tableware, finding that some may pose health risks under certain conditions.

Contribution

A novel analysis method for antioxidants in soybean oil using freezing degreasing was developed and applied.

Findings

Irganox 1010 showed the highest migration in both 95% ethanol and soybean oil.

Starch-based products had higher antioxidant migration than PLA-based and fiber-based products.

Migration was more affected by food simulant type, temperature, and time than by microwave or UV treatments.

Abstract

(1) Background: The safety of antioxidants (AOs) in disposable biodegradable tableware products remains insufficiently understood. (2) Methods: The migration of 20 AOs from 39 disposable biodegradable tableware under multiple usage conditions was investigated by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Their potential exposure risks were evaluated using three risk assessment frameworks (EU, FDA, and Monte Carlo simulation). (3) Results: Ten AOs were detected in 95% ethanol, with Irganox 1010 showing the highest migration (0.29 ± 0.62 mg/kg). Starch-based products exhibited a greater variety and higher migration of AOs compared to PLA-based and fiber-based products. Food simulant type, temperature, and time exerted a more significant effect on AO migration than microwave and ultraviolet treatments. An analysis method for six typical AOs in soybean oil using freezing degreasing was established, which demonstrated good recoveries (77.6–110.3%) and relative standard deviations (1.7–14.7%). Four AOs were detected in soybean oil, with Irganox 1010 showing the highest migration (603.7 × 10−3 mg/kg). Utilizing high-percentile conservative exposure scenarios derived from Monte Carlo simulation, Irganox 1010 may pose a health risk to humans under high-dose exposure in soybean oil. (4) Conclusions: This study provides a basis for the safety evaluation of AOs in disposable biodegradable tableware.

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