Determination of potential volatile compounds in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and their short- and long-term migration into food simulants and soft drink

•A total of 6 volatile compounds were identified in virgin PET beverage bottles.•To study these volatiles, a rapid and accurate method was developed using PT-GC–MS.•The maximum migration of 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane was < 20 ng/mL after 2 y at 25 °C.•Migration of 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane was also observed in commercially bottled water.•Human exposure was estimated and was of low concern for the public health.