UK food safety authorities reject ocean-bound plastics in food packaging over health concerns

UK – The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have formally advised against the use of ocean-bound plastics (OBPs) in food packaging due to a lack of evidence supporting their safety.

This comes in the wake of a scientific assessment by the Joint Expert Group for Food Contact Materials, which reviewed the potential health risks associated with using recycled plastics collected from open environments, particularly in packaging for meat, poultry, and fish commonly found in supermarkets.

Ocean-bound plastics refer to discarded plastic waste collected from coastal areas or regions where there is a high risk of it entering waterways and oceans.

While recycling such waste aligns with global efforts to reduce marine pollution and promote circular economies, the agencies expressed concern that the process of recovering and recycling this type of plastic does not currently meet the stringent standards required for food-contact materials.

The key concern outlined in the guidance is the uncertainty surrounding the contaminants that OBPs may be exposed to before collection, and whether the recycling process is robust enough to eliminate all potential health hazards.

Due to the absence of sufficient scientific data to confirm the safety of OBPs in food packaging, the agencies are urging businesses to refrain from their use.

Importantly, the guidance differentiates between OBPs and recycled plastics from regulated sources such as UK kerbside collection systems, which remain acceptable for food-grade applications under strict controls.

This distinction underscores the need for traceability and quality assurance in the sourcing and processing of recycled materials used in direct food contact.

Dr. James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the FSA, acknowledged the environmental potential of reclaiming plastics destined for marine pollution.

“Initiatives targeting ocean-bound plastics can contribute positively to environmental protection and innovation,” he noted.

However, he emphasized that until rigorous standards can be verified for these materials, their use in food packaging remains inadvisable.

The FSA and FSS are continuing to engage with industry stakeholders to explore safer alternatives and improve the transparency and labelling of recycled plastic packaging.

The agencies are also encouraging the exploration of other non-food applications for OBPs, allowing continued environmental benefits without compromising public health.

This stance signals a cautious but proactive approach by UK food safety bodies, balancing environmental innovation with the paramount need to protect consumer health.

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