Food businesses are told not to use ocean bound plastic in food packaging
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) are advising food businesses not to use ocean bound plastic (OBP) in food contact materials, including packaging for products such as meat, poultry, and fish.
This follows an assessment by the Joint Expert Group on Food Contact Materials, which found insufficient evidence to confirm that OBP is safe for use in food packaging.
This advice applies to plastic collected from open environments, such as waste found near waterways. It does not apply to recycled plastic from controlled systems like UK kerbside collections, which continue to meet safety standards for food contact use.
The FSA and FSS recognise the environmental benefits of recycling plastic waste, but protecting public health remains the priority. At present, recycled OBP does not meet the same safety standards as plastic from established collection systems.
Food businesses should seek alternative uses for OBP that do not involve contact with food.
For further advice or concerns about packaging or food labelling, contact your local food safety team.
First published 12 May 2025
