Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

The migration of chemical substances from food packaging materials into packaged foods presents a significant concern for food safety and public health. Packaging materials—such as plastics, metals, glass, and paper—often contain additives, residual solvents, and monomers that have the potential to migrate into the food, causing chemical contamination. This migration can occur through various mechanisms, including diffusion, volatilization, permeation, convection, solvent extraction, and heat transfer. Factors like temperature, food composition, contact time, and the characteristics of the packaging material influence these processes. A thorough understanding of the interactions between food and packaging is vital for assessing the extent of migration and its associated risks. Advanced analytical methods, such as chromatography and mass spectrometry, are used to detect and quantify migrating chemical compounds. Regulatory agencies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have established permissible migration limits for specific substances to safeguard consumer health. This review explores the factors influencing chemical migration, the mechanisms involved, and the techniques used for assessment. Addressing these issues can enhance food safety regulations, improve consumer protection, and foster the development of safer packaging materials.