Storing foodstuff into different packaging materials and using different packaging techniques is an integral part of food production. Among other functions of food packaging, one of the most important aspects is the protective function that ensures good protection (of the product) from chemical, microbiological, physical and atmospheric influences. However, food is exposed to the migration of the components of packaging materials. This process represents an important aspect of ensuring food safety. The various packaging materials that come into contact with food can be problematic in terms of migration. There are many differences between the chemical composition and the migration ability of different migrants, which are specific to individual packaging materials. The rate of migration of particles into food depends on many factors, such as the concentration of migrants, characteristics of the food and packaging material, the manner of contact between the food and the packaging, the physico-chemical properties of the migrants and many others. In this thesis I examined and studied various factors that affect intensity of migration processes, individual groups of packaging materials and different groups of migrants that are present in them. Plastic materials are permeable, so residues of unbound monomers and various additives used in the production of packaging can migrate into the food. Metal and glass packaging materials are impermeable. Glass is especially considered to be a completely inert material. Different types of sealants on the lids and caps can be a source of migrating particles when using glass packaging. Metal ions, protective lacquers and sealants are the main source of migrations in metal packaging materials. Papers porosity aids in easy migration of different particles. Recycled paper is especially problematic. Various additives such as inks and adhesives can also be a source of migrants. Researches on the migration of nanoparticles from polymeric materials has not yet provided clear answers on the extent of migration and the risks associated with them.
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