Ocean bound plastics deemed unsuitable for food contact by UK regulators

Bacon slices credit freestocks public domain
Business

An assessment by the Joint Expert Group on Food Contact Materials (FCMJEG) has evaluated the use of ocean bound plastics (OBP) in materials intended for direct food contact, such as packaging for products like meat, poultry, and fish available in supermarkets.

Following a review of the assessment, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have concluded that the current evidence is insufficient to determine whether this type of recycled plastic is safe for use in food contact applications or poses no risk to public health.

Bacon slices. Photo credit: freestocks.org

As a precaution, both agencies are advising against the use of plastic waste collected from uncontrolled environments, including ocean bound plastics, in food packaging. This recommendation does not apply to recycled plastics sourced from regulated collection systems, such as household kerbside recycling in the UK, which are considered safe for use in food-grade applications.

Dr James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the FSA, said: We acknowledge the benefits of recycling abandoned plastic that has been collected from the open environment, especially plastic in danger of entering waterways or oceans (ocean bound plastics). Such initiatives, if carried out appropriately, can protect the environment while supporting innovation and economic growth. However, our role is to ensure food is safe and we have concerns over the safety of these plastics, which we term abandoned environmental plastic, when used in their recycled form for products such as ready meal containers, fresh food trays and bottles.
Abandoned environmental plastic is a small percentage of the recycled plastic market. The majority comprises kerbside recycled plastics which are still viable for food contact material. Plastic materials collected from established and controlled environments such as UK kerbside collection systems have undergone substantial work in the past to ensure that they adhere to current safety standards.
Unfortunately, we are currently not confident that the collection of abandoned environmental plastic, which is subsequently mechanically recycled, is meeting the same standards.
In light of this, we are advising businesses not to use this type of plastic in food packaging and to look for alternative uses for it.

Authorities continue to engage with industry stakeholders regarding concerns around the safety and marketing of food-grade recycled plastics. Businesses with questions about on-pack labelling or compliance are encouraged to consult their local food safety teams.

Latest Packaging News

Mexican pharma manufacturer launches NFC-enabled smart packaging to fight counterfeits
Technology

Mexican pharma manufacturer launches NFC-enabled smart packaging to fight counterfeits

Mexican pharmaceutical manufacturer IFA Celtics has launched new NFC-enabled smart packaging,...
Calcium chloride desiccants: Why SUPER DRY leads the way
Supplier News

Calcium chloride desiccants: Why SUPER DRY leads the way

The problem with moisture Moisture can be a real headache in homes and industries. It spoils food,...
Croxsons strengthens its long-standing values with B Corp certification
Supplier News

Croxsons strengthens its long-standing values with B Corp certification

Leading glass packaging supplier Croxsons has received B Corporation (B Corp) certification, a...
Cadbury to trial 300,000 paper-based Heroes tubs in Tesco stores across the UK
Sustainability

Cadbury to trial 300,000 paper-based Heroes tubs in Tesco stores across the UK

Mondelēz International, one of the world’s largest snacking companies, are partnering with DS...
London Packaging Week 2025 welcomes record visitor growth
Events

London Packaging Week 2025 welcomes record visitor growth

London Packaging Week 2025 sees 15% growth, bringing 5,752 visitors together to celebrate...