We have become accustomed to eating ready-made foods and drinking coffee that are available in various paper, plastic or composite packages and after using them for years they are withdrawn with the suspicion that they contain carcinogenic substances.
Among the suspicious containers are paper bowls for salads or noodles with a durable coating, boxes for burgers or fried foods, wrappers for sandwiches and gyros, bags for baked goods with a greasy surface, paper containers for hot or fatty meals, as well as other packaging that comes into direct contact with food.
The major reversal of the withdrawal comes on August 12, at a pan-European level, following concerns that synthetic substances from the take-away and delivery packages could have serious effects on human health, such as: Carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity and effects on organs after long-term exposure.
The change comes through a Regulation which, as the former MP, Charalambos Theopemptou, explains, is binding and, in fact, does not provide for an adjustment period, so it applies immediately to all EU countries. Withdrawals are imposed when the different packages exceed the new chemical limit to be set.
According to Mr. Theopemptou, in Cyprus, producers and importers of packaging, as well as suppliers who sell paper, plastic or composite materials for food, will be affected first. Supermarkets, bakeries, patisseries, cafes, restaurants, take-away and delivery businesses, hotels, organized restaurants, catering and HORECA businesses are also affected.
He also observes that in a country with intense tourist activity and a large use of single-use packaging on beaches, hotels, festivals and recreation areas, the adaptation must be done in a timely manner.
With the PPWR Regulation, which generally concerns packaging and packaging waste, specific limits are set for the presence of PFAS in packaging that comes into contact with food and because this is a Regulation it is automatically binding. (PFAS are a large family of synthetic chemicals that are used to make the above packages). It is worth noting that PFAS are often called "forever chemicals" because they are extremely persistent and remain in the environment for a long time. In some applications they were used because they offer properties that are commercially attractive: resistance to grease, water and stains.
That is why, as Mr. Theopemptou explains, they can be found in paper or fibrous food packaging with a special coating, in fast food wrappers, in take-away containers, in bags or papers for fatty foods and in other packaging that needs a barrier against moisture or oil.
The new Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR) sets specific limits for the presence of PFAS (synthetic chemicals) in packaging that comes into contact with food and because this is a Regulation, it is automatically binding.
Mr. Theopemptou also explains that the issue is of particular importance when the packaging comes into direct contact with food. It is noted that a hot, fatty or wet food can be in a container or wrapper for a long time.
The Regulation considers that the presence of PFAS in food contact materials inevitably leads to human exposure and therefore imposes a restriction on food packaging.
From 12 August 2026, packaging that comes into contact with food will not be able to be placed on the European Union market if it contains PFAS equal to or above the limits of the Regulation.
Mr. Theopemptou also states the following: The Regulation will have an impact on businesses in the sense that they will not be able to rely on general assurances such as "the packaging is safe" or "it is food grade", but specific documentation will be required for compliance with the Regulation (PPWR). Compliance with the requirements for PFAS must be demonstrated in the technical documentation of the packaging.
Suppliers must provide information and documents that allow the manufacturer or importer to demonstrate the compliance of the packaging with the PPWR.
Suppliers must provide the necessary information to identify PFAS or other substances of concern and to draw up the declaration of conformity.
For their part, businesses must request declarations of conformity, technical sheets, information on materials and coatings, traceability data by type or batch of packaging and, where there is a risk, laboratory analyses. The conformity assessment concerns the entire packaging unit, not just the base material: It can include inks, varnishes, adhesives and coatings.
Mr. Theopemptou also indicates that businesses should not wait until August 2026 to adapt to the new data given that changing suppliers, collecting documents, confirming materials and planning stocks take time.
