MIGRATION OF MELAMINE AND FORMALDEHYDE FROM KIDS' BAMBOO DINNER SETS

Abstract

In recent years, products resembling the composition and / or appearance of plastic materials have been available on the market, which are actually made of a material containing various fillers and additives, such as melamine-formaldehyde resin, bamboo flour and other substances. They are advertised as natural bamboo, environmentally friendly and safe. The migration of melamine and formaldehyde from melamine-formaldehyde resin to food is possible. Melamine and formaldehyde are authorized substances in the EU for use in food contact materials under Regulation (EU) 10/2011. In 2019, melamine was classified as a possible human carcinogen by the IARC. It is toxic and increases the risk of kidney cancer. In 2012, formaldehyde was classified as carcinogenic to humans by the IARC. It could damage the central nervous system and especially the upper colic of the visual nervous system. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a migration of melamine and formaldehyde from kids' bamboo dinner sets offered on the Bulgarian market and thus to prove the presence of melamine-formaldehyde resin in their composition. A total of 24 samples - 6 bamboo sets, consisting of 4 items - bowls, cups, plates and utensils (fork and spoon) were analyzed. Standardized methods HPLC-UV DD CEN/TS 13130-27:2005 for melamine and spectrophotometric DD CEN/TS 13130-23:2005 for formaldehyde were used. Migration of melamine and formaldehyde from all tested products was found. Melamine migration exceeds the specific migration limit (SML) in 62% of products, and the highest value reaches 2.6 times SML. All results of formaldehyde are within the EU legislation permissible values. The material from which the bamboo products are made must be classified as plastic, as it contains melamine-formaldehyde resin. The results also show significant inhomogeneity of the composite material both within a batch and between batches.