Migration of melamine and formaldehyde under acidic conditions in bamboo fiber-melamine resin tableware

Abstract

ObjectiveTo study the migration rule of melamine and formaldehyde under acidic conditions in bamboo fiber-melamine resin （BM） tableware， discuss the main factors affecting the migration level and safety risks， and provide suggestions for the safety management of such products.MethodsA total of 14 brands of BM tableware （including baby and infant tableware） with clear identification of bamboo fiber in the market were collected. Ethanol （10%， V/V）and acetic acid （4%， V/V）were selected， and the tableware were soaked in according to GB 5009.156—2016， and then conduct migration tests under acidic conditions according to the national food safety standards GB 31604.15—2016 and GB 31604.48—2016.ResultsWhen BM tableware was exposed to 4% （V/V） acetic acid， the migration level of melamine and formaldehyde was much higher than that of 10% （V/V） ethanol. For a single sample， the migration trend of melamine and formaldehyde was positively correlated， and long-term repeated exposure to more acidic food may have caused a higher chance of excessive migration. With increased frequency of use， the migration level of melamine and formaldehyde increased gradually， which was more obvious in the products with higher bamboo fiber addition.ConclusionThe migration rules of melamine and formaldehyde in BM tableware were basically the same after long term repeated use. The migration level of melamine better reflected the decomposition of resin. BM tableware had a higher chance of excessive migration when repeatedly contacting acidic food for a long time， especially for infant products. The guidance on labels and consumer education should be strengthened and the use of non-conforming raw materials should be eliminated to promote the development of the industry within safety standards.

Keywords

• melamine
• formaldehyde
• migration
• food safety
• bamboo fiber-melamine resin tableware