The EU Expert Working Group of Food Contcat Materials warns about plastics containing bamboo and other similar constituents

 

In recent years there has been an increase in thecommercialization of plastic articles to whichbamboo or other “natural” substances are added. For example, tableware or kitchenware whose maincomponent is plasticmelamine in many cases – butwhich contain some of these natural fibers and are presented as sustainable, natural or even 100% bamboo, when in fact it is not.

The Expert Working Group recalls that the Europeanregulation No. 1935/2004 establishes that thelabeling and presentation of articles should notmislead consumers and urges commercial operatorsto be strict in the denomination and advertising of their products, ensuring that it is consistent with itstrue nature. Likewise, the Expert Working Groupconsiders that this type of materials and articles are subject to compliance with Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 and warns that manufacturers or importersmay not be considering them as plastic materialsand articles due to error or ignorance. of theapplicable legislation and, therefore, may not be carrying out any verification of compliance in accordance with said Regulation.

On the other hand, the Expert Working Group alsocalls on the competent authorities to increase thevigilance in this aspect, remembering that the use of any additive in plastics destined to come intocontact with food must be authorized, which has notoccurred explicitly with bamboo.

These movements highlight the need for retailers to maintain close monitoring of the regulatoryframework for materials and articles intended to be in contact with food and to verify the conformity of their articles in accordance with the applicableregulations. From Sigillum Knowledge Solutionswe support our clients helping them to avoid non-compliances and ensuring that the products theycommercialize are safe.

More information: https://ec.europa.eu/food/sites/food/files/safety/docs/cs_fcm_bamboo_wg-201906.pdf