Non Intentionally Added Substance Screening in Radiation Cured Overprint Formulations
Untargeted mass spectrometry screening isolates photoinitiator degradation products and unreacted acrylates in food packaging overprint coatings at 10 ppb.
Mass Spectrometry Screening
Compound Identification
High resolution analytical instrumentation isolates unknown extractables from food contact packaging substrates through accurate mass measurement and fragmentation patterns. Mass spectrometry screening detects residual volatile organic compounds and printing ink photoinitiators migrating from recycled paperboard into dry foods. Quadrupole time of flight configurations resolve co-eluting chemical species with exact mass errors below five parts per million.
Analytical laboratories deploy this methodology to verify compliance with strict migration limits set by food safety regulations.
Migration Boundary
Analytical detection limits establish the exact threshold where low level chemical transfer from corrugated packaging ceases to pose a toxicological concern. Contaminants diffuse through paperboard barriers during prolonged storage at elevated temperatures and humidity levels. Toxicologists evaluate compound toxicity alongside dietary exposure models to establish specific migration limits for paper substrates.
Chemical migration declines sharply when functional barrier coatings prevent molecular transport between recycled fibres and packaged contents.
Residue Verification
Quality assurance protocols validate the chemical safety of packaging materials before commercial conversion processes begin. Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry confirms the absence of prohibited phthalates and plasticizers in virgin kraft liners. Converters adjust drying temperatures on printing presses to eliminate residual solvents below detectable thresholds.
Analytical screening data provides objective proof that finished paper goods meet environmental safety standards demanded by brand owners.