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Advice Re Pre-2019 ECO-Friendly Bamboo Fibre Coffee Cups
In November 2019, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment carried out tests and raised concerns about bamboo products mixed with plastic. They warned melamine and formaldehyde could be released from “bambooware†products when filled with hot liquids like tea, coffee or baby formula. It said formaldehyde release from some cups would exceed the tolerable daily intake by 30 times for adults and 120 times for small children. They emphasised that there was NO acute health risk from these bambooware products but that REPEATED exposure to elevated levels of melamine and formaldehyde may be a risk to health, with melamine linked to toxic effects in the kidneys.
Because RT Promotions and it’s entire supply chain are part of the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) – we decided it was best to immediately remove all bamboo/fibre/polymer mix food products from our website (Jan 2020).
Tableware made from 100% bamboo or 100% melamine is permitted for sale under EU regulations that still apply in the UK involving products used for food.
In November 2021 the European Commission warned that tableware containing bamboo and other unauthorised additives had not been safely assessed under the regulations and that their sale was therefore illegal.
In June 2023, here in the UK, the FSA stated that the Committee on Toxicity, an independent scientific advisory body, had concluded the migration of formaldehyde and melamine from bamboo composite cups was a potential concern to human health and a more comprehensive risk assessment should be undertaken. They noted that some suppliers had already conducted their own tests, which they stated showed the specific products did not pose any health risk. The FSA continued to consult on these types of products and requested all manufacturers, suppliers and retailers to submit any relevant data. The FSA said: “Any person placing these products on the market could be committing an offence, as these products contain unauthorised additives. The FSA has taken steps to bring the market back into compliance, similar to steps undertaken in the EU.
Some of our shoppers now have this GOTS certification, read our article to find out more
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