Migration Testing
STANDARDAlso: migration test, overall migration
Migration testing measures how much material transfers from a food-contact surface into food simulants under set time and temperature conditions.
Migration testing measures how much of a material moves from the food-contact surface into a food simulant under defined time and temperature conditions. It is the core of food-contact proof for both FDA and LFGB.
The report checks overall migration limits and, where relevant, specific-element limits such as lead and cadmium. The simulant and conditions are chosen to mimic the intended use, whether that is water, an acidic drink, or a fatty liquid.
| Element | What the report shows |
|---|---|
| Overall migration | Total material transferred into the simulant |
| Specific elements | Limits for lead, cadmium, and similar elements |
Because results depend on the material, the surface area, and the contact conditions, a report is valid only for the configuration tested. Changing a gasket, a coating, or a lid resin can invalidate the earlier result.
Practical takeaway: Ask for migration test reports that name your exact material combination and intended liquid type, not a generic factory report.