Biodegradable FCMs: What Are They and What Are the Risks?

Biodegradable FCMs

What are FCMs?

FCMs stands for Food Contact Materials, which include items such as plates, cups, containers, cutlery, and straws. While materials like plastic, stainless steel, wood, and glass are commonly used, there is a growing trend toward using biodegradable materials as alternatives.

Biodegradable FCMs

Biodegradable FCMs are a sustainable FCM alternative made from materials such as bamboo, corn, sugar cane and bioplastics. Recently some Biodegradable FCMs have also introduced wheat such as plates made from wheat bran and straws made from durum wheat semolina. These biodegradable options pose a risk of transferring allergens, such as gluten, to the food they come into contact with.

Studies and EU Regulations

Recent studies by European coeliac societies have shown a high level of gluten migration from certain biodegradable FCMs to the food. This presents a particular risk for individuals with coeliac disease or wheat allergies.

Currently, EU regulations do not require allergen labelling on biodegradable FCMs, increasing the potential risk for people with these sensitivities.

Until further research identifies which biodegradable FCMs pose a higher risk, it is recommended to avoid cereal-based FCMs, especially when eating out or travelling.

You may find further details on this subject on the AOECS website.