Elemental concentration of tomato paste and respective packages through particle-induced X-ray emission

• Analyses by PIXE show that tomato paste major elements are Cl, K and Na. Significant differences in concentrations found between at least 2 brands. Fe Al the main constituents of cans Tetra Pak® respectively. Higher concentration canned paste. Increasingly as a function storage time. The elemental three brands Brazilian packed cardboard boxes were determined through Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique. Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br Rb identified pastes. metallic cannisters characterized primarily presence Sn, while several including Zn showed up boxes. varied significantly among different packages. present Cl with ranging from 1700 mg/kg to 7500 mg/kg, trace like had average around mg/kg. Tomato packages stored for long periods time evaluated well. Canned distinct rising decreasing trends Possible transfer mechanisms discussed.