Effect of electro-activated brine solution on the migration of metallic ions from the cans to the product in sterilized canned sweet corn

Abstract

Tinplate cans were used to study if electro-activated brine solution (EAS) is more corrosive than conventional one by ICP analysis. The results showed different effects of EAS on cans, alone or filled with product. Acidic EAS (pH 2–3) and Redox +900 to +1200 mV highly reacted with the cans. The concentrations of Zn, Fe, and Cu in the solution were 0.028, 28.81, and 0.022 ppm, respectively. No Sn migration was observed in this case. When neutral or acidic chlorine-free EAS was used, no significant difference was observed in comparison with the corrosivity of standard NaCl brine. Alkaline EAS with pH>10 and negative E (≤−966 mV) did not affect Zn, Fe, and Cu migration. However, it affected tin migration. Nevertheless, it is important to mention that even if some corrosion was observed, it was in the limit of the permitted level of concentration when the cans were filled with a product.