Release of multiple elements from food contact materials into a food simulant and potential health risk

This study investigated the distribution of elemental release from food contact materials to the food simulant and estimated the potential health risk. Food simulant comprising 4 % acetic acid was used for release testing in ceramic, steel, plastic and bamboo fiber containers. The concentrations of 23 elements were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The target hazard quotient (THQ), calculated by comparing dietary elemental exposures to their reference doses, was employed to estimate the health risk. The findings revealed that except for Cd, Hg, As, Tl, Sb, Sn, and Ag, other elements, such as Ba, V, Cr, Co, Li, Al, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Be, Pb, Ti, Fe, Cu, and Zn, were detectable with detection frequencies varying from 1.6 % to 100 %. Notably, strong positive correlations were observed between Fe and Ni in ceramics, Fe and Cr in stainless steel, and Fe and Al in plastic and bamboo fiber containers, considering their release concentrations. All THQs for elements at the median level were below 1, suggesting no obvious health risk. However, the THQs of Li at the high level for ceramic were higher than 1. More attentions may be paid for the release of Li in ceramic containers.