Primary (Primary) Aromatic Amine Migration Tests

Primary (primary) aromatic amines are substances that can be transferred from food packaging materials to foodstuffs and are possibly carcinogenic to humans. The formation of primary aromatic amines from multilayer packaging materials consisting of aromatic polyurethane adhesives occurs from the reaction between residual monomers that migrate to the surface of the inner layer of the packaging and water molecules that come into contact with the same plastic surface. However, alternative primary aromatic amine formation should also be considered for heat-treated foods.

Due to the detrimental effect of temperature, the migration of monomers from the adhesive layer through the inner sealing film results in primary aromatic amines as soon as they come into contact with the water molecules of the packaged food.

Some substances in the group of primary aromatic amines are carcinogenic. These compounds occur, for example, as contaminants in color pigments. Color-printed paper napkins, oven bags and other materials that come into contact with food pose a health risk if they pass into food. In advanced laboratories, it is evaluated whether the current limit values ​​for the passage of these substances into food provide adequate protection. In fact, the migration limit of primary aromatic amines needs to be reconsidered. Consumer contact with these substances should be minimized. The formation of primary aromatic amines in food contact materials should be as little as technically possible.

Primary aromatic amines are substances used, for example, in the manufacture of certain colorants, particularly in the yellow-orange-red color range, so-called azo pigments. While many primary aromatic amines are found to be safe for human health, some are known human carcinogens. For food contact utensils, paper napkins, color-printed baking bags and other printed products, some primary aromatic amines pose a health risk if transferred to food.

Due to potential health risks, certain transition limits are applied. Numerous aromatic amines are of considerable importance from industrial, toxicological, and pharmaceutical perspectives. A spectrophotometric method has been developed for the quantitative determination of primary aromatic amines. This method is based on the interaction between these amines and the 2,4-dinitrophluorobenzene reagent.

Our organization also provides primary aromatic amine migration testing services with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.