Food Safety Implications of Recycled Plastics and Alternative Food Contact Materials

This report examines key food safety considerations for recycled food contact materials (FCMs). It highlights the chemical risks associated with recycled plastics, including contaminant migration, intentionally and non-intentionally added substances, and unknown compounds. The document also explores potential food safety issues related to bioplastics and smart packaging – innovations that help achieve sustainability and improve functionality but introduce new safety considerations tied to feedstock properties and added chemicals. Digital editions of FAO publications are available on the FAO website as part of FAO’s Open Access policy.