Simulant Solutions
Food simulants are standardised test media used in migration testing for food contact materials. They simulate the extractive capacity of different food categories without using real food.
Under EU Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 (plastics in food contact), four standard food simulants are defined:
- Simulant A: 10 % ethanol - for aqueous foods
- Simulant B: 3 % acetic acid - for acidic foods (pH < 4.5)
- Simulant C: 20 % ethanol - for alcoholic foods up to 20 % vol.
- Simulant D1: 50 % ethanol - for fatty foods with elevated alcohol content
- Simulant D2: vegetable oil - for fatty foods
- Simulant E: Tenax (modified polyphenylene oxide) - for dry foods
Application for gloves: vinyl (PVC), nitrile, and PE gloves intended for food contact are tested with the relevant simulants. The material is brought into contact with the simulant for a defined time and temperature, and migration of ingredients is measured.
Limits: Regulation (EU) 10/2011 sets specific migration limits (SML) and overall migration limits (OML = 10 mg/dm2).
Frequently asked questions
Which simulant is used for acidic foods?
Simulant B (3 % acetic acid) is used for acidic foods (pH < 4.5). Typical examples: pickled cucumbers, tomato sauces, fruit juices.
Why are simulants used instead of real foods?
Real foods have variable compositions that make test results difficult to reproduce. Simulants are standardised, reproducible, and can be systematically applied across food categories.
Are there simulants for meat and animal products?
For fatty foods, Simulant D2 (vegetable oil) is used. For aqueous protein-containing foods such as meat, Simulant A primarily applies.