The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that recycled plastics used in food packaging could create new food safety risks unless governments establish stricter controls, stronger monitoring systems, and harmonized international regulations.
In a new analysis released through UN agency said recycled plastics can play an important role in reducing the global waste crisis, but poorly managed recycling systems may allow dangerous chemicals and contaminants to enter food products.
The report comes at a time when plastic packaging use is expanding rapidly worldwide. According to the FAO, the global food packaging market is projected to grow from approximately $505 billion in 2024 to more than $815 billion by 2030. Despite growing awareness around sustainability, less than 10 percent of global plastic waste has been recycled so far.
Why Food Packaging Needs Special Oversight
Unlike ordinary recycled materials, food packaging must meet extremely strict chemical safety standards because it comes into direct contact with food and beverages.
Plastic food containers often contain thousands of industrial substances used during manufacturing, including stabilizers, pigments, coatings, flame retardants, and plasticizers. During recycling, additional contamination can occur through improper waste sorting, environmental exposure, or previous consumer use.
The FAO analysis found that recycled plastics may contain higher levels of harmful substances such as heavy metals, phthalates, flame retardants, and persistent organic pollutants compared to newly manufactured plastics.
However experts stressed that recycled plastics can still be safe for food use if they undergo rigorous cleaning, decontamination, and regulatory testing. In regions such as the European Union, recycled food contact materials are required to meet the same safety standards as virgin plastics.
The report also highlighted growing scientific concern over microplastics and nanoplastics entering food systems.
Researchers have already detected microscopic plastic particles in human blood, lungs, breast milk, and placentas indicating widespread human exposure. However, scientists still lack standardized global methods to consistently measure and assess the health risks posed by these particles.
According to the FAO, recycling facilities themselves can contribute to microplastic pollution, especially during mechanical recycling processes where plastics are broken into smaller fragments.
Alternative Packaging Materials Also Carry Risks
The analysis examined emerging alternatives to conventional plastics, including bioplastics, plant-fibre packaging, and protein based materials. While these products are often promoted as environmentally friendly, the FAO cautioned that they also raise important safety questions.
Some plant-based packaging materials may contain pesticide residues, toxins, or heavy metals linked to agricultural production. Protein based packaging could potentially transfer allergens such as gluten into food products.
The report further noted that many so-called “bio-based” plastics are not necessarily biodegradable and may still rely heavily on chemical additives to improve durability and performance.
The findings are expected to influence discussions at the Codex Alimentarius Commission, jointly established by the FAO and the World Health Organization.
The FAO said countries currently follow different regulatory approaches toward recycled plastics and food-contact materials, creating challenges for consumer safety and international trade.
Experts argue that harmonized global standards could help countries build safer recycling systems while reducing plastic waste and supporting circular economy goals.
The report ultimately stresses that solving the plastic pollution crisis should not create new risks for food safety and public health.