New Report Warns of Food Safety Risks as Use of Recycled Plastic Packaging Grows
The increasing use of recycled plastics in food packaging is raising important food safety concerns, even as countries and industries push for more environmentally sustainable solutions, according to a new report released today by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The report, titled Food Safety Implications of Recycled Plastics and Alternative Food Contact Materials, highlights the urgent need for globally harmonized safety standards as the food packaging industry continues to expand rapidly.
The global food packaging market was valued at more than $505 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach over $815 billion by 2030, driven by rising demand for snacks, fast food, ready-made meals, confectionery, and bottled beverages.
FAO says food contact materials (FCMs), including packaging, are essential for extending shelf life, protecting food quality, reducing food waste, and improving food security. However, the growing dependence on plastic-based packaging has also contributed to a worsening global plastic waste crisis.
As governments and industries increasingly turn to recycled plastics to reduce environmental damage, FAO warns that the transition must not compromise 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,” said Corinna Hawkes, Director of FAO’s Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division. “Food safety must be a central consideration in the transition towards more sustainable agrifood systems and food consumption patterns.”
The report notes that less than 10 percent of global plastic waste has been recycled so far, but this figure is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.
According to FAO, one of the main concerns is the possibility of chemical contamination from recycled materials migrating into food. Risks may also arise from bio-based packaging materials made from crops such as corn, sugarcane, and cassava, which could introduce hazards including pesticides, allergens, or natural toxins.
The use of nanomaterials in packaging to improve durability and performance is another emerging concern highlighted in the report.
FAO is calling for stronger recycling systems specifically designed for food packaging materials, including better waste sorting and chemical removal processes to ensure safety.
The organization also stressed the need for reliable scientific methods to detect microplastics and nanoplastics in food and beverages. Current limitations in testing methods have made it difficult for regulators to clearly determine potential risks to human health.
The report further warns that differences in regulations across countries could create international trade challenges.
Its findings are expected to contribute to ongoing discussions within the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which develops global food safety standards and guidelines.
FAO says harmonized international regulations would help ensure safe use of recycled food packaging while supporting global efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable food systems.
About The Author
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
