The ScreenFood project: Metrology for food safety in the circular economy - targeted and screening methods for contaminants in food and recycled packaging

Abstract

To ensure a high level of food safety throughout production and distribution, it is crucial to improve and harmonize analytical techniques for contaminant quantification. This constitutes the basis for reliable data regarding food product compliance with regulations and for resolving disputes and minimizing financial losses within the food industry. In this framework, the ScreenFood project is developing reference methods and reference materials for quantifying contaminants in both food and food packaging, with a specific emphasis on recycled materials. The project aims: i. To improve protocols for the quantification of the mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons fraction and for the quantification of the fraction consisting of substances with three or more aromatic ring systems (3+MOAH); ii. To develop sensitive analytical procedures for detecting and quantifying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in selected matrices, in line with the requirements of Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915; iii. To develop traceable and highly accurate reference materials for quality control and quality assurance purposes. These materials will be designed for key contaminants like MOSH, MOAH, and PFAS in relevant food and food-related matrices, such as vegetable oil, infant formula, vegetables, and food packaging materials; iv. to develop screening methods, addressing new/existing organic and inorganic contaminants, in virgin and recycled packaging such as bio-based food contact materials and reusable materials, and to be applied also in migration studies. In this presentation, the project and the ongoing activities related to the 4 objectives will be described, and the experimental results related to the validation of analytical methods for the quantification of PFAS in different matrices will be presented. Cereals and foods of plant origin are the categories covered in the studies. In case of cereals, an UHPLC-HRMS/MS based method was validated, obtaining a LOQ ranging between 2 ng/kg and 32 ng/kg and robustness in line with EU guidelines and recommendation for PFAS in food. Additionally, a metrological approach was employed to estimate the uncertainty budget, utilizing modeling and experimental methods, and comparing the outcomes. A comparison of uncertainty of different approaches was conducted after applying the method to 30 real samples. In the case of fruit and vegetables, the work aimed to validate, according to EURL-POPs guidance, an analytical method for assessing PFAS levels in vegetable and fruit samples using an interlaboratory approach. The study was conducted involving 4 different laboratories to achieve interlaboratory validation, including all the steps from the sample preparation (exchanging extracts prepared in two laboratories) to the instrumental analysis by means of 4 different liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry apparatus. The study has led to a robust, accurate, and validated method for quantifying PFAS that will be used within the project for the characterization of candidate reference materials for PFAS, one in a tomato-based matrix and one in a cereal-based baby food, and that can be applied in migration studies from packaging. The outcome of the work and the project in this area will support the development of EU legislation for PFAS in matrices that are not yet encompassed by existing regulations and recommendations.