A large-scale project was launched by the European Wax Federation (EWF) for the re-evaluation of low molecular weight paraffin waxes in food contact (FCM No. 93, [1]) by the EFSA CEP Panel. LLS was involved as the analytical partner in this flagship project. The work included the comprehensive analysis of the FCM 93 variants including structural elucidation of the main components, their quantification as well as migration simulations. Furthermore, the tissue samples of an OECD 408 oral feeding study were analysed comprehensively in the same way and a new alkaline digestion method was established to reach the complete yield during sample extraction.

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A new hydrocarbon subgroup was introduced and defined within the scope of the project: wax originated saturated hydrocarbons, WOSH.

The conformity assessment of silicone elastomers in food contact is still mainly based on the error-prone determination of volatile organic compounds (VOC, see BfR Recommendation XV. for silicone [3]). As part of a research project with the Technical University of Dresden, we were able to derive and validate an alternative compliance evaluation method based on the specific determination of the extractable cyclic siloxane oligomers D4 to D25. In addition, we developed an analytical method that enables the reliable determination of cyclic siloxane oligomers up to D25 in real food for the first time.

We are providing the professional expertise to improve and further develop analytical instrumentations together with our partners as well as the implementation of new standards and requirements. In co-operation with Gerstel, we have supported the complete automation of the sample preparation process for the determination of MOSH/MOAH in edible oils/fats according to ISO 20122:2024 standard. For the fast and correct interpretation and processing of MOSH/MOAH data sets, our know-how has been incorporated into the development of the ChroMOH evaluation software.

A comprehensive analytical study was carried out in co-operation with the Hydrocarbon Resins, Rosin Resins & Pine Chemicals Producers Association (HARRPA) to characterise the different types of tackifier resins used in food contact hot-melt applications (FCM No. 97, [1]). The study comprised the HPLC-GC-FID analysis of representatives of the main resin types including detailed peak pattern interpretation. Furthermore, two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) was used as a state-of-the-art technique to identify distinguishing features from MOSH/MOAH and to perform a structural elucidation (including a substance group database).

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New hydrocarbon subgroups were introduced and defined within the scope of the project: resin originated saturated hydrocarbons (ROSH) and resin-originated aromatic hydrocarbons (ROAH).