ISO 1186-7 Overall Migration for Ready-to-Eat Foods
The ISO 1186 series of standards is widely recognized in the packaging industry, particularly in ensuring food safety and quality. The standard specifically addresses overall migration from packaging into food contact materials, which is crucial for ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. This testing ensures that any contaminants or leachable substances do not pose a risk to consumer health.
The ISO 1186-7 protocol focuses on the overall migration of non-volatile and semi-volatile compounds from packaging into food contact materials, specifically for ready-to-eat products. This includes a wide range of substances such as plasticizers, antioxidants, preservatives, and adhesives used in various types of packaging.
The standard is essential for manufacturers to comply with international regulations, ensuring that their packaging materials meet stringent safety standards. By conducting this test, companies can verify that the migration levels are within acceptable limits set by regulatory bodies like the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the European Union's Novel Foods Regulation.
The testing process involves several critical steps to ensure accurate results. The specimen is prepared according to ISO 1186-7 specifications, which include washing the packaging material with a specific solvent to simulate real-world conditions during food contact. The extractant is then analyzed for various parameters, including metals, antioxidants, and other potentially harmful substances.
The importance of this test cannot be overstated in ensuring consumer safety and compliance with international standards. Packaging that comes into direct contact with food must meet stringent requirements to prevent contamination. By conducting ISO 1186-7 testing, manufacturers can demonstrate their commitment to producing safe and high-quality products.
The results of this test are typically reported as the overall migration limit (OML), which is the maximum amount of a substance that may migrate from packaging into food under specified conditions. Compliance with these limits ensures that packaged foods remain safe for consumption, thereby protecting public health.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Test Specimen | The packaging material used in direct contact with the food. |
| Extractant | A solvent that simulates real-world conditions during food contact. |
| Analysis Methods | Instrumentation used to detect and quantify non-volatile and semi-volatile compounds. |
Why It Matters
The ISO 1186-7 test is crucial for manufacturers of ready-to-eat foods as it ensures that their packaging materials do not release harmful substances into the food. This is especially important in the RTE market, where products are consumed without further preparation, making any contamination more likely to have an immediate impact on consumer health.
Compliance with this standard helps companies avoid legal and reputational risks associated with product recalls due to safety concerns. It also enhances consumer trust by demonstrating a commitment to quality and safety. Additionally, meeting these standards can open up new markets and opportunities for expansion in the global packaging industry.
Scope and Methodology
- The test is conducted on packaging materials used in direct contact with ready-to-eat food products.
- The specimen preparation involves washing the packaging material with a specific solvent to simulate real-world conditions during food contact.
Once prepared, the extractant is analyzed for various parameters including metals, antioxidants, and other potentially harmful substances. The results are reported as the overall migration limit (OML), which is the maximum amount of a substance that may migrate from packaging into food under specified conditions.
Why Choose This Test
- The ISO 1186-7 test provides comprehensive analysis of non-volatile and semi-volatile compounds in packaging materials.
- The results ensure compliance with international safety standards, protecting consumer health.
