In the latest update from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS), consumers are strongly advised against using plastic containers or utensils made with bamboo and other plant-based materials not approved for food contact.
Following previous warnings issued in May 2022, the FSA and FSS have now underscored the potential risks associated with bamboo, as well as materials like rice husks, wheat straw, and hemp. They have called for industry cooperation in removing these products from sale and collecting evidence to assess their long-term safety.
After a thorough review, the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products, and the Environment (COT) has determined that there is insufficient evidence to support the safety of these plant-based materials in food contact applications. Concerns persist regarding health implications from prolonged use.
The FSA and FSS stand firmly by the recommendation to prohibit the sale of these products and urge consumers with existing items at home to refrain from using them for food-related purposes.
COT’s investigation revealed that the presence of bamboo and similar plant-based matter in plastic materials can lead to the leakage of harmful substances such as formaldehyde and melamine into food or beverages, surpassing legal limits and posing a risk to consumers.
FSA Emphasizes Long-term Health Considerations
Dr. James Cooper, deputy director of food policy at the FSA, emphasized the organization’s commitment to food safety, including the safety of food contact materials like containers and utensils.
“Our rigorous risk assessment process has highlighted the lack of evidence supporting the safety of containers and utensils made with bamboo composite material. As a precautionary measure, we maintain our stance that these products should not be sold in GB,” stated Cooper.
He continued, “Concerns about the unknown long-term health impacts and the potential leakage of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and melamine into food from these materials, particularly when in contact with hot or acidic foods, persist.”
Cooper further advised consumers to discard any remaining items made with these materials and encouraged businesses to comply with the prohibition on sales.
“As these products are not compostable or recyclable, consumers should dispose of them in general waste or repurpose them for non-food uses,” he added.
In Northern Ireland, these products are already banned for sale as food contact materials in accordance with European Commission regulations, and businesses are required to adhere to this ruling.
