Analysis of Bisphenol A and Other Food Packaging Leachates from Microwaved Food Containers Using GCxGC-TOFMS

Significance of the Topic

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used plastic monomer with endocrine‐disrupting potential. Its migration from microwavable food containers into consumables is a major public health concern and regulatory priority.

Objectives and Study Overview

The primary goal was to evaluate BPA and various phthalate plasticizers leaching into food during microwave heating. Three commercial frozen food products (peas, broccoli, tomato soup) were analyzed before and after microwaving using QuEChERS sample preparation coupled with comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOFMS).

Methodology

A QuEChERS protocol was applied: homogenization of a 10 g food sample, extraction with acetonitrile, salting out, optional dispersive‐SPE cleanup, and final dilution for injection. Microwave treatment was standardized at 1000 W. Calibration curves for BPA and selected phthalates spanned 10 ppb to 1 ppm with R2 > 0.999.

Instrumentation Used

• GCxGC-TOFMS (LECO Pegasus 4D) with ChromaTOF software
• Primary column: 30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm Rxi-1ms; secondary column: 1 m × 0.18 mm × 0.20 µm RTX-200
• Helium carrier gas, constant flow 1.0 mL/min; primary oven ramp: 40 °C to 270 °C
• Modulation period: 4 s; transfer line at 280 °C; ion source at 200 °C; mass range m/z 40–650; acquisition rate 300 spectra/s

Main Results and Discussion

• BPA was detected in all frozen samples and increased significantly after microwaving (up to 15× in peas; ~50% in broccoli).
• Phthalates exhibited low or non‐detectable increases; many were at levels similar to water blanks, suggesting lab‐ware contributions.
• A marked rise in β-monolinolein indicates thermal degradation of phytosterols during microwave heating.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This combined QuEChERS and GCxGC-TOFMS approach delivers high peak capacity, rapid sample cleanup, and sensitive detection of trace plasticizers, supporting food safety monitoring and quality control in industrial and regulatory laboratories.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Integration of high‐resolution and hybrid mass analyzers for improved structural elucidation.
• Expansion to non‐target screening workflows for unknown contaminant discovery.
• Automation of sample preparation to increase throughput.
• Application to a wider range of food matrices and packaging materials.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates a robust analytical workflow capable of isolating and quantifying BPA and plasticizer leachates from microwaved food containers, highlighting significant BPA migration under typical consumer conditions.

References

No external reference list was provided.