Simultaneous Determination of Antioxidants and Ultraviolet Absorbers by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography in Food Simulants

An efficient analytical method for the quantitative determination of migration levels of antioxidants and UV absorbers in food contact materials by ultra-performance liquid chromatography has been developed. The analytical method showed good linearity, presenting regression coefficients (R ² ≥ 0.9981) for all compounds. The limits of detection and quantification were between 0.03 and 0.32 mg L⁻¹ and between 0.08 and 1.06 mg L⁻¹ for 29 analytes, respectively. According to European Union Directive No. 10/2011, five food simulants were investigated: 3 % (w/v) acetic acid, 10 % (v/v) ethanol, 20 % (v/v) ethanol, 50 % (v/v) ethanol, and fatty food simulant (isooctane). Recoveries were in the range of 88.43 ∼ 115.28 %, with relative standard deviations between 0.33 ∼ 8.43 %. Migration levels of antioxidants and UV absorbers were determined. Irganox 1010, Irganox 1076, and Tinuvin 120 were found in the majority of the samples generally together with the phosphate Irgafos 168 and its oxidized product. These levels were lower than limits allowed by legislation.