The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has alerted businesses that they should not sell plastic food contact materials (FCMs) containing bamboo and other plant-based materials, and have put out a call for evidence related to their safety and stability.

Bamboo and other plant-based materials such as rice husks, hemp, wheat straw, and other materials have not had their safety assessed in plastic, nor have they been authorized under retained (EU) Regulation 10/2011 for use in plastic FCMs. Until the products have been fully assessed and authorized, FSA will not allow them to remain on the market. Plastic food contact materials containing bamboo fiber and other plant-based materials also must not be placed on the market in Northern Ireland as they are not in compliance with Commission Regulation (EU) 10/2011.