Migration of styrene monomer from polystyrene packaging materials into foods: Characterization and safety evaluation

Background: Polystyrene (PS) is extensively used in diverse forms for packaging of many food products such as meat, dairy and bakery products. There is a potential migration of styrene monomer from PS packages into the foods which are in contact with them. Scope and approach: This study aims at reviewing the representative styrene migration from PS packages material into the correspondence foods and discusses the addressed parameters affecting the styrene migration. The analytical methods for detecting styrene monomer in food products and PS packaging materials is also covered in this study. The possible safety and health issues related to the styrene monomer migration will be covered too. Key findings and conclusions: The quality of PS packaging material in terms of their styrene monomer residue level and the storage conditions of foods can greatly affect styrene migration. Also, the food characteristics such as fat content, pH, etc. can significantly affect styrene migration. Although styrene monomer is considered as a non-toxic compound, its migration into the foods can downgrade sensorial properties as well as resulting in health problems. In some cases, the presence of styrene in foods can make carcinogenic, hematological, cytogenetic, and neurotoxic issues.