Abstract
Nowadays, food packaging is an indispensable element in the food manufacturing process. In the specific case of beverages, packaging is essential to contain the liquid in a cost-effective way as well as to retain the beneficial effects of processing, to retard product deterioration, and to maintain or even increase food quality and safety. During the last decades the concern about the wholesomeness and food safety has dramatically increased, since it has been observed that packaging materials are important sources of human exposure to chemicals, which can migrate into foods at different extent. Among the different compounds that have generated alarm, the most important ones are phthalates, alkylphenols, and bisphenols. There are many studies where it has been reported the presence of plasticizers in waters and the process responsible for the levels detected. However, very few studies make reference to other beverages, such as non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
The aim of this review is to provide an overview about the main packaging materials used for water and beverages, as well as information about the migration processes that usually take place and the compounds frequently detected. It is also indicated that the levels found are generally below the tolerable daily intake and thus, the safety of these products is guaranteed. However, some of these chemicals are endocrine disruptors for which care has to be taken to minimize human exposure. Therefore, studies that integrate migration assays and toxicological effects should be fostered to evaluate the real impact of plastic components and additives in humans.
Keywords: Plasticizers, beverages, drinking water, packaging, food-contact materials, migration processes, tolerable daily intake.
Graphical Abstract
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