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Britain and Belgium. One aim of this cooperation is the
establishment of new, robust test conditions for the test-
ing of ceramics and glassware as well as the valida-
tion and standardisation of sensitive, modern analytical
methods. Using a representative number of different
ceramics and glassware, the EURL-NRL network will
develop an adequate basis of data for the EU. To this
end, in a Europe-wide sample collection the EURL has
acquired relevant ceramics and glassware from various
manufacturers which can be used by the EURL-NRL
network for its investigations. The release of elements
such as lead, cadmium, aluminium, barium, cobalt, cop-
per, manganese, nickel, selenium, arsenic, mercury and
thallium was analysed using inductively coupled plasma
mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Tomato sauce and food
simulants such as 4 % acetic acid and 0.5 % citric acid
acted as the test foods.
This analytical method, which was optimised in the
EURL-NRL network, was successfully validated as part
of a proficiency test in 2014. Further issues such as the
harmonisation of test conditions for the release of ele-
ments from various ceramics and glassware can now be
dealt with using this method. The release of elements
from the rims of cups, drinking glasses and drinking
containers is just as much a focus as the migration of
Product Safety
elements from ceramics and glass to food under high
temperatures or in the microwave.
Primary aromatic amines in paper napkins
Primary aromatic amines can be found in various food
contact materials. They can be present in the form of
impurities, for example, in paper napkins with colourful
print if azo pigments were used in the printing inks as a
colouring component. If these napkins come into contact
with food, primary aromatic amines can be transferred to
the food and therefore ingested by humans.
From a health perspective, primary aromatic amines
(PAAs) represent a heterogeneous class of substances.
For some members of this class, a potential carcinogenic
effect must be taken into consideration. While a large num-
ber of PAAs are safe in this respect, some PAAs are known
human carcinogens. Based on studies involving animal
experiments, others are seen as potentially carcinogenic
for humans. The corresponding classifications for the
toxicological effect of PAAs are laid down in Regulation
(EC) 1272/2008 on the classification, labelling and pack-
aging of substances and mixtures, the so-called CLP
Regulation.
Staff at a National Reference Laboratory based at the BfR develop and validate analysis procedures to check the release
of heavy metals from ceramics and glassware into food simulants.
