FAO Flags Food Safety Risks in Rising Use of Recycled Plastics for Food Packaging

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has raised concerns over the growing use of recycled plastics in food packaging, warning that while the shift offers significant environmental benefits, it also poses critical food safety challenges that require globally harmonized regulations.

In a new report titled Food Safety Implications of Recycled Plastics and Alternative Food Contact Materials, released on Wednesday, the FAO said the rapid expansion of the global food packaging industry is increasing the urgency of addressing chemical contamination risks linked to recycled and alternative food contact materials (FCMs).

According to the report, the global food packaging market was valued at approximately $505.27 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $815.51 billion by 2030. The rise is being driven by changing consumption patterns, including increased demand for snacks, ready-made meals, fast food, confectionery, and bottled beverages.

Food contact materials, which include packaging and containers that come into direct contact with food, play a crucial role in extending shelf life, reducing food waste, protecting food quality, and improving the efficiency of agrifood systems. However, the FAO noted that the widespread use of plastic-based FCMs with long environmental life spans has contributed to the global plastic waste crisis.

As countries and industries increasingly turn to recycled plastics to address sustainability concerns, the report warned that environmental goals must not come at the expense of public health.

“We want to recycle more plastic, but we also want to make sure that by solving one problem we don't create new problems. Food safety must be a central consideration in the transition towards more sustainable agrifood systems and food consumption patterns,” said Corinna Hawkes.

The report highlighted that less than 10 percent of global plastic waste has been recycled so far, though this share is expected to grow steadily in the coming years.

The FAO identified several emerging risks linked to recycled and bio-based packaging materials. These include possible contamination from pesticides, natural toxins, allergens, and chemicals that may migrate from packaging into food. The report also raised concerns about the use of intentionally added substances such as nanomaterials, which are increasingly being used to enhance packaging performance and create active packaging systems.

To minimize risks, the report recommended strict waste sorting systems, effective cleaning procedures during recycling, and the separation of food-grade plastics using polymer-specific Resin Identification Codes.

The FAO also pointed to growing public concern over microplastics and nanoplastics in food and beverages. However, it noted that the lack of validated scientific methods for detecting and identifying such particles has prevented regulators from determining clear health risks.

Another major issue highlighted in the report is the absence of harmonized international regulations governing recycled food packaging materials. The FAO warned that inconsistent standards across countries could create trade barriers and complicate global food safety oversight.

The findings are expected to contribute to ongoing discussions within the Codex Alimentarius Commission, a joint body established by the FAO and the World Health Organization in 1963 to develop international food safety standards and guidelines.

According to the report, harmonized global regulations would support science-based risk assessments, ensure the safe production and use of recycled food contact materials, and help countries meet international targets for reducing plastic waste while protecting public health.