Recycled paper is banned for use in food containers primarily because it poses a significant risk of contamination. During the recycling process, not all residues such as inks, dyes, adhesives, and chemicals can be completely removed from the paper fibers. These substances can migrate from the recycled paper into the food, potentially causing chemical contamination that poses health risks to consumers. Due to these contamination risks, recycled paper does not meet the stringent safety standards required for materials in direct contact with food unless it is specially processed to food-grade standards, which is uncommon for standard recycled paper. Therefore, recycled paper is generally banned or restricted for direct food contact to ensure food safety.
Additional points include that recycled paperboard may contain harmful substances like mineral oils and phthalates that can migrate into food products, further compromising safety. Specialized food-grade recycled materials exist but undergo rigorous purification and certification processes. The ban helps prevent potential chemical migration and protects consumer health.
