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SINGLE-USE PLASTIC
BAN?
The Date is Fixed You Can Be Fined
The date is fixed, but the FPA has asked for Local Authority Trading Standards will
additional time to prevent stocks from being have the power to enter your premises
wasted. We feel this is warranted because after 1 October and check your stock
the guidance was published much too late cupboard and the packaging behind
and it is inevitable stocks of banned items the counter. If holding stocks, you can
will not have been used up. be fined.
Without more time you will be in effect The government is being highly irresponsible
paying more than twice for the packaging - in not making the ban and sanctions known
the packaging to be scrapped, plus the to all operators. They appear to be relying on
requirement to buy more expensive trade associations and magazines making this
replacement packaging. all known.
However not every business is a member of
a trade association and with no disrespect to
the Beverage Standards Association, nor do
they all read trade publications. Certainly,
very few read Defra’s website, and if they did,
they would struggle to find out anything
about the ban.
Meanwhile, Trading Standards Officers are
dispensing incorrect information. They aren’t
mentioning the packaging exemptions for
plates, bowls and, trays – and one is even
implying paper cups and lids are banned,
which isn’t the case. Paper cups will be part of
a mandatory retailer takeback scheme.
So yes, it’s all confusing, and of course, you
aren’t receiving much help from the
government in explaining it and you may not SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER. 2023 | ISSUE 32
be hearing the correct information from
salespeople. The Food Packaging Association
is very happy to receive questions and
concerns.
Please email
martin@foodservicepackaging.org.uk.
www.beveragestandardsassociation.co.uk
