Prediction of worst case migration: presentation of a rigorous methodology

An improvement of the Piringer model, allowing the prediction of a worst ca se migration from packaging to food is presented here. The authors are prop osing other constants for the calculation of the upperbound value of the di ffusion coefficient, using experimental data determined by a film to film m ethod. Considering the plasticizing effects of food simulants, a model invo lving the variation of the diffusion coefficient versus space and time must be used. Future fields of investigation are discussed. the relationship be tween diffusion coefficients and the volume of the migrant (instead of mola r mass), and the variation of diffusion coefficient activation energy with temperature.