If you’ve been following tabletop trends in hospitality and foodservice, you’ve probably heard whispers about the BPA ban. But what does this mean for you, your business, and your customers? Let’s break it down…

What Exactly is BPA? BPA (Bisphenol A) has been the topic of conversation for years, especially in the foodservice industry. It’s a chemical used in manufacturing polycarbonate plastics and resins – materials you’ve probably seen in things like food containers, kitchenware, and even drinks bottles. However, as concerns about its potential health risks grew, many manufacturers started opting for BPA-free plastics. It’s been a shift that’s changed the landscape of tableware.

The EU Takes Action Now, the European Union has taken a decisive step, approving a ban on BPA in materials that come into contact with food. This includes everything from kitchen tools to food packaging and even production and storage equipment. Essentially, if it touches food, it could be impacted by this new rule. It’s all about keeping customers safe, as the science behind it suggests BPA might be a little too risky for food-contact items.

What About the UK? Here’s where it gets interesting. While the UK isn’t legally bound by this EU ban (thanks to Brexit), businesses that sell both in the EU and UK will need to comply. UK authorities are watching closely. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is actively assessing the situation and, if the data points to further action, we might see an update to the current UK regulations. So, even if you’re not selling in the EU, it’s worth staying ahead of the curve.

What Can You Do? It might not be mandatory yet, but opting for BPA-free products is always a smart move. After all, as the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure,” especially when it comes to health and safety. If you’re unsure about what’s BPA-free, check with your suppliers.

What’s the Impact on Foodservice Equipment? The ban doesn’t cover everything. For example, food waste containers aren’t included. But it will impact anything that directly interacts with food or drink. Think tableware, kitchen tools, and packaging.

Conclusion: Stay Ahead of the Trend While the BPA ban might not have an immediate impact on UK businesses, it’s a trend worth watching. A quick way to start is by choosing suppliers who are already moving towards safer materials like our client Wrapmaster. This ensures you’re offering the latest and safest products for your customers.

For more information visit: https://food.ec.europa.eu/food-safety-news-0/commission-adopts-ban-bisphenol-food-contact-materials-2024-12-19_en

Source: FEA

Susan Wickes
Latest posts by Susan Wickes (see all)