The Analysis of Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons in Local Paper Food Packaging Materials

Abstract

A survey of 9 paper samples (including printed and non-printed, coated and non-coated with paraffin ) intended for food contact has been undertaken. Extracted with hexane by Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) with sequential analysis by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrum （ GC-MS ） to identify mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) in these samples. It shows that there are amount of 352-3123mg. Kg-1 n-alkanes mixture:C16-C44 MOSH in the samples. In this paper, MOSH in the paper samples were quantified. And for comparative purpose, 3 corresponding blank samples which were not printed were analyzed as described above. Results show that contents of MOSH in the printed and paraffin coated ones are higher than the blank ones. Consequently, printing inks and paraffin are the main sources of the MOSH and controlling the quality of printing inks and paraffin is the best way to ensure the security of paper food packaging materials and the consumers’ health.