FSSAI Introduces Guidelines for Safe Use of Recycled PET in Food Packaging

 The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued comprehensive guidelines for the acceptance of recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) as Food Contact Material (FCM-rPET). The new regulations, effective from May 23, 2025, aim to ensure the safe use of recycled PET in food packaging applications while maintaining stringent quality standards.  

Scope and Applicability  
- The guidelines apply exclusively to the recycling process of post-consumer food-grade PET into FCM-rPET resins suitable for food packaging  
- Only recycling technologies approved by FSSAI are permitted for food contact applications  
- The regulations do not cover recycled PET intended for non-food-grade consumer applications  

Regulatory Definitions and Material Standards  
- Virgin PET (vPET) refers to PET derived from poly-condensation of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid  
- Post-consumer food-grade PET includes packaging collected from households, institutions, and distribution chains  
- Recycled PET (FCM-rPET) must undergo validated decontamination to meet purity levels suitable for direct food contact  

Approved Recycling Processes and Safety Measures  
- Recycling methods must include a decontamination step to remove contaminants and ensure food safety  
- Conventional recycling processes without decontamination are not permitted for food contact materials  
- Manufacturers must comply with testing requirements such as Challenge Test, Extraction Test, and Migration Test, conducted in NABL/ILAC accredited laboratories  

Compliance and Industry Impact  
- Manufacturers of FCM-rPET must apply for authorization with FSSAI, providing details on facility operations, technology, and quality control measures  
- Approved manufacturers will be registered on the FSSAI website and subjected to annual audits  
- The guidelines align with global food safety standards, ensuring consumer protection and environmental sustainability  

Future Outlook and Industry Adoption  
- The implementation of FCM-rPET regulations is expected to drive innovation in sustainable packaging solutions  
- Industry stakeholders anticipate increased investment in advanced recycling technologies to meet compliance requirements  
- The move reinforces India’s commitment to reducing plastic waste while maintaining food safety standards  

Sources: FSSAI Official Notification, Economic Times, Tax Guru, Mondaq India