A new report released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has raised fresh concerns about the potential food safety risks linked to recycled plastics and alternative materials used in food packaging.
The report, titled Food Safety Implications of Recycled Plastics and Alternative Food Contact Materials, was authored by Mark Feeley, Magdalena Niegowska Conforti, Vittorio Fattori, and Markus Lipp.
According to the report, food contact materials — including food and beverage packaging — play a critical role in reducing food waste, with more than two-thirds of packaging materials produced globally being used in the food industry.
However, the authors warn that the increasing use of recycled plastics in food packaging could expose consumers to harmful chemicals if recycling systems are poorly managed.
The report explained that contamination risks may arise when food-grade plastics are mixed with non-food plastics during recycling or when packaging materials are misused after consumer use.
Researchers also pointed to the presence of non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), which can enter recycled plastics during manufacturing and recycling processes.
Studies reviewed in the report found that recycled plastics may release harmful chemicals such as metals, brominated flame retardants, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and phthalates — in some cases at higher concentrations than newly manufactured plastics.
The report further identified concerns relating to intentionally added substances (IAS), including surfactants, coatings, lubricants, antioxidants, thermal stabilisers, and biocides that could migrate from packaging into food products.
To reduce these risks, the authors said approved recycling systems rely heavily on intensive cleaning procedures and strict testing processes to ensure contaminants are removed before plastics are reused for food packaging.
The report also highlighted the use of the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approach, a scientific method regulators use to assess potential health risks from low-level chemical exposure when detailed toxicity data is unavailable.
According to the authors, the TTC model is already widely applied in the regulation of food packaging, cosmetics, flavouring agents, pharmaceutical impurities, and other consumer products.
Beyond recycled plastics, the report examined the growing use of alternative packaging materials such as bioplastics, which are often marketed as environmentally friendly substitutes for petroleum-based plastics.
While acknowledging their environmental advantages, the authors cautioned that bioplastics may also pose food safety concerns depending on the biological materials used during production.
The report additionally explored the rise of “smart” food packaging technologies designed to extend shelf life, improve food quality, and monitor freshness and safety.
Some of these advanced packaging systems contain intentionally added substances, including nanomaterials that can directly interact with food. The authors stressed that such technologies must undergo thorough safety assessments before being approved for commercial use.
The report also addressed increasing public concern over exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics through food and beverages.
However, the authors noted that limited scientific evidence and the absence of validated testing methods continue to make it difficult for regulators to establish definitive health risks linked to micro- and nanoplastics.
According to the report, the issue remains an evolving area that requires further scientific investigation.
The authors further highlighted the lack of globally harmonised standards governing the safety of recycled plastics used in food packaging.
As part of efforts to address the challenge, the Codex Alimentarius Commission has asked member countries to indicate whether international guidance on food safety considerations for recycled plastics would be useful.
Feedback from participating countries reportedly showed broad support for developing such guidelines.
Following the consultations, the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods agreed to prepare a discussion paper for its nineteenth session focusing on food safety considerations for recycled materials used in food packaging.
The proposed guidance is expected to address contamination risks associated with recycled plastics and outline measures needed to ensure their safe use in food packaging systems.
The report concluded that timely assessment and regulation of food safety risks linked to recycled plastics and alternative food contact materials will be critical to protecting public health while promoting environmental sustainability and fair global trade.