Global migration dosage

What is global migration?

Overall migration measures the total amount of substances (intentionally added or unintentionally present) that are likely to migrate from a material into a food or food simulant. Unlike specific migration, which targets a given substance (e.g., BPA, phthalates, metals), this analysis evaluates all compounds that can be transferred, without chemical distinction.

It is a fundamental regulatory requirement of Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, applicable to all plastic materials intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. This test verifies that the overall migration does not exceed 10 mg/dm² of material surface or 60 mg/kg of simulated food, as appropriate.

Why analyze global migration?

Global migration analysis is essential for:

• Assess the health safety of packaging, coatings, containers, etc.
• Validate the regulatory compliance of food contact materials
• Control the quality of your materials according to customer or distributor requirements
• Prepare declarations of conformity (DoC) required by the authorities
• Anticipate the results of audits or tests in the event of disputes or product recalls

It is generally carried out in addition to specific migration, which targets compounds such as bisphenols, phthalates, heavy metals, or NIAS substances.

Available analytical methods

The overall migration assay is carried out after bringing the tested material into contact with a food simulant (water, acetic acid, ethanol, vegetable oil, etc.) for a duration and at a temperature defined by the regulations (e.g.: 10 days at 40°C).

Quantification methods include:

• Gravimetry: direct measurement of the total mass of substances extracted after evaporation of the simulant
• Organic extraction followed by chromatography (GC-MS or LC): for additional verification
• Normative methods from Regulation (EU) 10/2011, Annexes III and V

The conditions are chosen to represent realistic or maximum use of the material in food contact.

Materials concerned

• Plastic and multi-layer films (PET, PE, PP, PVC, etc.)
• Trays, pots, bottles, caps
• Epoxy resin-based coatings and varnishes
• Lids, covers and packaging devices
• Cosmetic materials intended for storage or cutaneous application

Recommended supplements

→ To target specific substances, see the specific migration
→ For the control of regulated residues:

• BADGE (Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether)
• BFDGE (Bisphenol F diglycidyl ether)
• Bisphenols A, F, S, B, AF

Why choose YesWeLab?

At YesWeLab, we work with a network of ISO 17025-accredited laboratories, experts in migration analysis according to European standards. Our partners have complete expertise in extraction, simulation, and gravimetric or chromatographic assay procedures.

We support you for:

• Choose the right simulants according to the matrix and the type of target commodity
• Define the protocol that fits your use case
• Provide a compliant, usable analysis report for your declarations or audits
• Carry out an analysis alone or coupled with a specific migration plan according to your objectives

Via our digital platform, you centralize your requests, track your projects and retrieve your results with reliability, traceability and simplicity.

Need to check the overall migration of your materials?

YesWeLab assists you in the inspection of food-contact packaging, devices, and materials to ensure their safety and regulatory compliance.
Contact our team today for a personalized quote or feasibility study.