Migration of N-nitrosamines, N-nitrosatable substances and 2-mercaptobenzthiazol from baby bottle teats and soothers: a Dutch retail survey.

In 2001, a retail market survey of 19 samples of teats and soothers was performed in the Netherlands. The migration of 2-mercaptobenzthiazol (MBT), N-nitrosamines and nitrosatable substances was measured. A screening was also performed for other potential migrants. Of the soothers, shield size and yield strength were determined. Most of the teats and soothers on the Dutch market were made of silicone rubber, although a few were made of natural rubber. The migration of N-nitrosamines and nitrosatable substances was far below the migration limit of 0.01 and 0.1 mg kg(-1) teat, respectively, with the exception of one natural rubber soother. For this soother, the migration of nitrosatable substances was 0.23 mg kg(-1) and measures were therefore taken against the supplier. MBT was detected in only one natural rubber sample, migration being well below the limit of 0.3 mg/teat. The extractable substances in the silicone teats and soothers are siloxanes. From the two natural rubber products, substances were extracted that were not on the positive list of the Dutch Packaging and Food-Utensils Regulation. Most of these substances are allowed in other countries, or authorized for plastic food contact materials. The size of the shields of all soothers and yield strengths were in compliance with the Regulation.