A review of the migration of food-contact organotin stabilizers from poly(vinyl chloride)

Abstract

The migration of di-n-octyltin-bis(2-ethylhexyl thioglycolate) and di-n-octlytin maleate polymer, two organotin heat-stabilizers approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, FDA, for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) used in food packaging, from PVC into foods and food simulants, is reviewed. The effects of other additives to PVC on organotin migration are considered. Methods of detecting organotins in foods and simulants are discussed. Two areas for further inquiry emerge from the review: (1) whether the intact organotin stabilizers or their degradation products migrate into simulating solvents; and (2) whether the bulk polymer or its surface is the more likely source of the stabilizer available for extraction. A bibliography of recent references is given. © 1982.