Determination of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and its derivatives in canned foods

Migration of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) to food from can e namels and can pull-top seals is reported. Derivatives of DGEBA are also de termined in some foods. Levels of DGEBA in the foods surveyed in this study range from nondetected (<0.3 ppb) to 50 mg/kg as determined by liquid-liqu id extraction or solid-phase extraction coupled with high-pressure liquid c hromatography using fluorescence detection. Confirmation of the analytes is by gas and/or liquid chromatography with mass spectral analysis, Fourier t ransform infrared spectroscopy with 30 degrees specular reflectance/transmi ttance is used to characterize the coated food contact surfaces. Stability studies with DGEBA in water, acid, and saline solutions show conversion to the hydrolysis products and chloro adducts occurs readily. The presence of DGEBA derivatives in food demonstrates that analysis for DGEBA migration al one is not a good indicator of total migration from can coatings to foods.