Ibi, Alicante -- (SBWire) -- 03/15/2012 --Children’s products intended for use at feeding times (tableware and cutlery, cups and food containers) are subject to strict safety standards. Furthermore, complementary regulations related to the compliance of plastic materials in contact with foodstuffs (Regulation no 10/2011) must be observed.
Migration from the plastic container to foodstuffs can be influenced by several factors relating to usage, and these have been studied in-depth. Notwithstanding the fact that some studies show that processing conditions also have considerable influence, there are no studies which thoroughly analyse the influence of the processing conditions on migration even though they notably affect the material characteristics and structure, among others.
That is why AIJU is going to undertake a detailed study on the influence that different processing conditions have on the migration of organic and inorganic substances which are used to produce children’s foodstuff articles. Within the study the necessary testing methods are being developed for the identification, and where necessary specific quantification of any migrating substances.
As the development of the project is aimed at the traditional products manufacturing sector, it will made available for enterprises from the plastic & infant industries new resources for the development of safer products in such a way that it will help to bring about the compliance with current legislation relating to global migration.
This project is funded by IMPIVA within the Strategic Development Programme (Expedient IMDEEA/2011/25) and co-funded with FEDER funds.
About AIJU
The Toy Research Institute (AIJU) is a non-profit making organisation, located in Ibi, the Spanish geographic centre for the manufacture of toys. It was founded in 1985 with the collaboration of the Spanish Toy Manufacturers Association (AEFJ) and the Regional Government (IMPIVA).
Its aim is to transfer and allow toy manufacturers access to the knowledge of new technologies in order to improve their competitivity, while offering technological and financial assessment and supporting the professional development of people involved in the sector. For this purpose, it has a staff of 75 professionals who develop their work in the different departments that make up AIJU. Moreover, this organization has the required infrastructure to manage the different activities it undertakes.
The department intended to carry out these tasks is that of Product Development – Laboratory Department, specifically the Processing and Materials area, in close collaboration with the Chemical Area. These areas have several research lines for the study of materials, process monitoring, materials in contact with foodstuffs and the development of test methodologies for the analysis of organic and inorganic toxic compounds, among others.
AIJU has been accredited by ENAC for the carrying out of global migration tests on all simulants for food contact plastic materials since 2005. Additionally, it is an active member of the Technological Platform for Traditional Manufacturing Sectors, EuMAT and Manufuture, among others, and member of the “Materials” group promoted by REDIT, the RDT Centres of IMPIVA’s Network.
In the field of standardisation, the entity is working on the potential feasibility of proposed legislation as well as new safety criteria for toys, with participation in several proficiency testing schemes both, on a National and European Level, between it is relevant the Spanish Technical Committee AEN/CTN 172/SC2 of childcare articles. Thus, it is participating in the development of new standards for toys in the European Committee of Normalization (CEN).
Would you like further information, please visit: http://www.aiju.info.
AIJU Researches on the Influence of Processing Conditions on Migration
The study will determine how the processing conditions and material issues affect in the foodstuff migration