ICP-OES data for "Assessment of toxins in food and drug packaging materials"

In the current study, 11 commercially available food packaging and 2 drug packages were analysed for the presence of 4 heavy metals namely vanadium, arsenic, mercury and cadmium. Packaging material forms the mainstay of modern food industry. Hence, it is important to study their interference with food/drug present in the packaging material. As research has shown leaching of toxins from packaging material, monitoring the heavy metal leaching is essential to prevent harmful effects to the human body. In summary, a wide variety of food and drug packaging materials from the Indian market were tested for the presence of heavy metal, Vanadium, Arsenic , Cadmium and Mercury. Our study shows the presence of heavy metals in routinely used food packaging materials quantitatively and qualitatively. All samples irrespective of the results of qualitative analysis were subjected to quantitative analysis, as ICP -OES is a sensitive technique for the detection of heavy metals. Of the 13 samples analysed, arsenic was found in all samples beyond regulated limits, cadmium was present in higher than regulated concentration in only sachet. Arsenic was present in all samples, whereas vanadium was present in lower concentration in tissue, cellophane and sachet and mercury is present in higher concentration for sachet and plastic bags. Leaching of these heavy metals into the packaged food/drug may be potential health hazard severely compromising the well -being of humans. This study calls for stringent regulatory guidelines and strict monitoring of packaging materials at all stages, starting from raw material selection, storage and production till it reaches the consumer. The post packaging handling, transport, storage and conservation of the supply chain requirements further add to prospective leaching which will be the scope of future studies.