The EU’s BPA ban will proceed as planned, so UK companies trading in the EU need to be prepared for it. BPA is a chemical used in the manufacture of some hard plastics and has been linked with hormone changes in humans in certain cases.
Products affected in terms of the foodservice industry include a huge range of equipment, from containers for food transport and storage to tableware and kitchenware such as utensils, chopping boards and drinking vessels.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) remains committed to introducing the ban, however it is not expected to be enforceable until mid-2027 at the earliest, as part of the UK-EU SPS Agreement.
Luke Slater, FEA’s technical and policy director, said: “Whilst it was generally accepted that a one year sell through period would be sufficient for industry to adapt, the proposed deadline of 20th July 2026 for products to be placed ‘on the market; would have resulted in significant economic and environmental damage across our industry.
“Whilst the industry is generally supportive of the removal of BPA from food contact materials, to do it properly, it is paramount that sufficient time is allocated to do so. We thank the FSA and our Government contacts for engaging on this subject.”
In order to help FEA members get to grips with the latest developments, the FEA is hosting a 30 minute webinar on Monday 11th May at 3pm. Anyone wanting to attend should contact sj.campbell@fea.org.uk to register their place and get the link.