Unveiling the Safety Verification of PHMG: Multi-dimensional Assurance of Food Safety

In the cutting-edge field of food preservation technology, Polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) stands out due to its excellent antibacterial properties. However, before its widespread application, the verification of its safety is of utmost importance, which is related to consumers' health and the sustainable development of the food industry. The following will delve into the ways to verify the safety of PHMG.

I. Rigorous Residue Detection

Researchers will conduct meticulous residue amount detections on various food samples treated with PHMG, especially fruits and vegetables. Through advanced detection equipment and methods, the PHMG residues on the surface of food are accurately determined. When the test results show that the residue amount is lower than 0.1 ppm, which is far below the safety standard for food contact materials in the European Union, it means that under normal usage conditions, the PHMG residues in food will not pose a threat to human health, ensuring safety from the aspect of residues.

II. Authoritative Toxicity Tests

The acute oral toxicity test is a crucial link in evaluating the toxicity of PHMG. Researchers administer PHMG to experimental animals orally at a specific dose and closely observe the animals' reactions. When the result of LD50 > 5000 mg/kg is obtained, it indicates that PHMG belongs to the practically non-toxic grade. That is to say, the PHMG ingested by people through food in daily life will basically not cause serious health problems such as acute poisoning, strongly demonstrating its safety in terms of toxicity.

III. Recognition by Industry Standards

Authoritative technical specifications and standards are important bases for verifying the safety of PHMG. For example, China's "Technical Specification for Disinfection" (2022 edition), after strict evaluation and review, has included PHMG in the recommended list for disinfection of food processing environments. This measure represents the high recognition of the safety of PHMG by professionals in the industry, indicating that it meets the safety specification requirements for food-related applications.

IV. Monitoring of Microbial Resistance

Microbial resistance is a potential factor affecting food safety. Continuously monitoring the development of microbial resistance after the use of PHMG is of great significance. If, during the long-term application process, microorganisms do not show obvious resistance to PHMG, or the development of resistance is extremely slow and will not lead to an increase in the risk of food spoilage due to microbial resistance, then the safety of PHMG is further verified from the microbial aspect.

V. Assessment of Ecological and Environmental Safety

In addition to paying attention to food and human health, the impact of PHMG on the ecological environment cannot be ignored. Researchers will evaluate its degradation characteristics in the natural environment and its impact on ecosystems such as soil and water bodies. If PHMG can be degraded relatively quickly in the environment and will not cause pollution or adverse effects on the ecological environment, this not only reflects its environmental protection characteristics but also proves its safety from a broader ecological perspective.