Using effect-based methods to evaluate the presence of bioactive compounds in food contact materials made of paper and cardboard

Sammanfattning: Food contact materials are materials that are intended to come into contact with food, and we are exposed to different types of chemicals that exist in the packages on a daily basis. In this study, a battery of effect‑based in vitro cellular bioassays was used to evaluate the presence of bioactive compounds in commonly used food contact materials made of paper and cardboard, retrieved from the Swedish market. Sample extracts were tested at concentrations 0.3, 1, 3 and 10 mg food contact material/mL cell culture medium. The use of effect-based bioassays allowed for screening of multiple health-relevant endpoints in a non-targeted approach. Hence, taking unknown substances and mixtures into consideration when addressing potential toxicity of the materials. In essence, detection of bioactivity could be considered as moderate to high in assays of positive effects. Antiandrogenic and antiestrogenic effects were found in 72% of the samples, followed by 47% bioactivity in the Nrf2 assay. No androgenic effect was detected. Usage of effect-based bioassays allows for high sensitivity and low detection limits, and these can be used as a first approach to evaluate package materials to ensure the safety of consumers.