Following advice from the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA), I’ve looked into the use of non-plastic tableware in party kits and found this to be a complicated issue that warrants the creation of a new guide.
The main takeaway is that we should stop using and lending party kits that include moulded bamboo or wheat straw reusable tableware. This post explains what’s happened and why.
What has the FSA said?
The FSA has issued a notice advising that some types of tableware should no longer be used due to safety concerns. This includes reusable tableware made from moulded bamboo and some other plant-based materials, such as wheat straw.
Read the FSA notice (published 30 July 2024)
Which types of tableware are affected?
Reusable tableware and coffee cups made from bamboo composite materials or other plant fibres, like wheat straw, should no longer be used.
These items are often marketed as 'eco-friendly' or 'biodegradable' and have become popular with those trying to move away from plastic. Some of these products may have been labelled as 'plastic-free', but they actually contain a plastic binder to help mould the item into shape.
What’s the issue?
Even though the individual materials themselves are relatively low risk, plastics (often referred to as melamine, binder, or resin) and plant fibres (like bamboo or wheat straw) pose a serious safety concern when combined.
When used in tableware, there is a risk that the combination of the plastic and plant-fibre may result in the leakage of chemicals into drinks and food, particularly with hot foods. This could potentially cause health issues like gastrointestinal problems and kidney damage over time. The FSA has stated that the ratio of plastic to plant fibre doesn’t change the risk level.
An investigation by the Committee on Toxicity (COT) found that there isn’t enough evidence to confirm these products are safe, and they raised concerns about the long-term health effects.
Are there any exceptions?
The only exceptions are tableware made from cotton fibres or sunflower husks with a plastic composite, as these materials have been authorised for use in food contact plastics.
Tableware made entirely from plant fibres, like pure wood or pure bamboo fibre, can still be used. (Please note that while wood fibre tableware is allowed in the UK, it is not permitted in the EU).
How can I tell if my items are made of banned materials?
This can be tricky. There’s no symbol to easily identify the materials used to make tableware.
If the item looks more like plastic than wood, has a smooth surface with a matte finish (rather than shiny), and is dishwasher safe, it likely a plant fibre with a plastic binder. If you’re unsure, contact the manufacturer or original retailer for clarification.
Of course, if the item is made entirely of plastic it will most likely be stamped on the bottom with a plastic triangle symbol.
I have a bamboo party kit. What’s the risk to those who have already borrowed it?
The FSA has said that short-term use is unlikely to pose immediate health risks, so one-off use at a party is low risk. However, because there are so many unknowns, going forward I recommend that party kits stop using the banned tableware.
What should I do if I’ve recently bought bamboo tableware?
It’s been illegal for retailers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland to sell bamboo composite tableware since June 2023. However if you have been sold such items recently, contact the retailer for a refund or reach out to the FSA for assistance.
What should I do with my existing tableware?
The challenge with this ban is that we don’t fully understand the long-term risks of using these materials. The COT has noted there isn’t enough exposure data to perform a complete risk assessment. Additionally manufacturers haven’t sought authorisation to use many plant fibres as plastic additives, therefore the FSA has implemented a blanket ban that includes bamboo fibres. While the true risks remain unclear, one option is to keep the tableware in case the advice changes over time.
In the meantime, these items can safely be repurposed for non-food uses, such as painting pots or pen holders.
These items cannot be recycled and should be disposed of in general waste when they’re no longer needed.
I’m not in the UK or EU. What should I do?
This post is based on UK and EU legislation. If you’re in another country, check if your local agency has issued similar advice on bamboo tableware.
Most of the tableware now banned in the UK was made in other countries, so the risk is likely the same wherever you are.
What about PLA items?
The FSA has said that PLA (plant-based plastic) is considered a plastic under the law and is also banned when used as a binder for plant fibres in tableware.
So what are the alternatives?
One day, I hope to be able to write about a plastic-free reusable tableware which is both safe and meets all the criteria for a party kit, but not yet. For now, reusable tableware made from plastic, like polypropylene (PP) or polycarbonate (PC), offers the most practical alternative for party kits, especially for use by children.
Plastic isn’t without its issues, and I understand that this will be disappointing for those trying to reduce their plastic footprint. Reusable plastic tableware is usually highly durable, lightweight, easy to wash, and recyclable at the end-of-life. It is now possible to buy plastic tableware made from recycled plastic, which does provide a greener option.
The popular IKEA Kalas plates are made from polyethylene. In the UK, Harfield makes highly durable polycarbonate tableware and also accepts them back for recycling at the end of their life. Learn more about Harfield polycarbonate tableware
Other alternatives include melamine, stainless steel, ceramic, or glass tableware.
