Microplastics Testing in Food, Beverages & Packaging

What does it measure?

• Particle counts and polymer identity in the food or beverage as supplied
• Particles released from a container, closure, film or liner under defined conditions
• Comparison between packaging options or process changes

When is it used?

• Substantiating or challenging a product claim about plastic particle content
• Evaluating single-use versus reusable packaging or a material change
• Investigating a consumer complaint about particles in a product
• Assessing shedding from filters, tubing, seals or hot-fill contact materials

Sample considerations

• Send product in unopened original packaging where possible so the packaging itself can be included or excluded deliberately.
• For release studies, define the contact conditions — temperature, time, agitation, filling and dispensing steps.
• Fatty, sugary and pulpy matrices need extra digestion; describe the product composition.
• Include unopened controls and blanks so laboratory contamination can be separated from product content.

Laboratories with relevant capabilities

• Kiyo R&D Center and Laboratory (Chennai, Tamil Nadu) — Polymer Testing, Plastics Testing, Thermal Analysis
• MAEON Laboratories (Chennai, Tamil Nadu) — Rubber Testing, Plastics Testing, Polymer Testing
• Japan Polymer Analytical and Research Laboratory India (Chennai, Tamil Nadu) — Polymer Testing, Rubber Testing, Chemical Analysis
• Intertek (Lake Forest, CA) — Materials Testing, Metallurgical Analysis, Chemical Analysis
• Keystone Compliance (New Castle, PA) — Electrical & EMC, Wireless & RF, Environmental Testing
• Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services (Buffalo, NY) — Chemical Analysis, Mechanical Testing, Microbiology

Frequently asked questions

Can a laboratory prove particles came from the packaging?

Comparing the polymer identified in the product with the packaging materials, alongside unopened controls, usually gives a defensible answer. A single product result on its own does not.