Suspect Screening of Chemicals in Food Packaging Plastic Film by Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography Coupled to Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

In this study, chemicals extracted from a food packaging plastic film with a series of organic solvents were tentatively identified with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC TOF MS). A total of 91 compounds were tentatively identified in the film extracts, based on high mass spectral matching with the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) mass spectral (MS) library. The tentatively identified chemicals included common plasticizers: di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), diethyl and dibutyl phthalates; polymer and plastic additives: hexafluorobisphenol A (bisphenol AF), 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyn-4,7-diol (TMDD), methyl dehydroabietate, and 2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate (TXIB); ultraviolet (UV) filters: homosalate, 2-ethyhexyl salicylate (octisalate); fragrances: cedrol and galaxolide, flavoring agents: n-hexyl salicylate and benzophenone. Additionally, representatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), alkylated naphthalenes, linear alkylbenzenes, and phenyl, biphenyl, and diphenyl compounds were identified. Unexpected discovery of low chlorinated polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the film extracts suggests their source should be investigated further. The tentatively identified compounds were characterized based on use, source, chemical properties, and previously reported occurrences in plastic food packaging materials, food, or the environment.