Cling film in food packaging
When cling film must and must not be used with food, and how its use is regulated.
It is safe to use cling film as long you use it correctly. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has produced advice for consumers on using cling film safely. It has also made recommendations to manufacturers on labelling their products to help consumers use them properly.
Guidance on using cling film safely
Not every type of cling film is suitable for all uses. To protect the quality and taste of food it is important not to:
- use cling film where it could melt into the food - eg in conventional ovens or with pots and pans on cooker hobs
- allow cling film to touch the food when re-heating or cooking it in a microwave oven
- use cling film in contact with high fat foods unless the manufacturer's advice says it is suitable for this
High fat foods include:
- some types of cheese
- raw meats with a layer of fat
- fried meats
- pastry products
- cakes with butter icing or chocolate coatings
How plastic food contact materials are regulated
Under current operating arrangements for Northern Ireland, businesses seeking a new authorisation for placing these materials on the NI market will continue to follow EU food rules. From Autumn 2023, the Windsor Framework will allow GB public health standards to apply for pre-packed retail goods moved via a new NI retail movement scheme and placed on the NI market. Therefore, goods moving via this route containing GB authorised materials will be able to be placed on the NI market.