If regularly used, consuming straws made of silicone, stainless steel, or glass are, in the opinion of the BfR, a proper option to plastic straws. Silicone is ideal as a food contact product (FCM) supplied that its manufacture is certified with the specifications of BfR suggestion No. There are drinking straws made from particularly durable glass.
In case of single usage, durum wheat (e.g. raw macaroni noodles) is a proper material for drinking straws from a health viewpoint. The noodles might disintegrate, particularly in hot and warm drinks, or over a longer time duration, and become useless as an outcome. Additionally, they may customize the consistency and taste of the beverage.
Straws made of paper and paperboard are only beneficial if substances are added which prevent the paper from softening. XXXVI are met, no health threats are presently kept in mind with the use of drinking straws made of paper and paperboard.
There are no threat evaluations at the moment regarding the use of drinking straws constructed out of straw. The BfR suggests that straw is not utilized for this function with regard to potential health dangers arising from germs, mycotoxins, or other undesirable compounds.
No matter the product, consuming straws used more than once must be cleaned thoroughly each time before utilizing. If extensive cleaning of the drinking straws can not be ensured, the BfR advises that such multiple-use drinking straws are not utilized for factors of health. In addition, they should not have any sharp edges and should also be changed if there are any signs of product damage (indications of wear and tear).
About the BfR
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is a scientifically independent organization within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) in Germany. It advises the Federal Government and Federal Laender on concerns of item, food and chemical safety. The BfR conducts its own research on subjects that are carefully connected to its assessment tasks.
Alternative materials have actually to be established for the production of drinking straws as well as other regularly used products which predominantly were made of plastic so far.
If often used, drinking straws made of silicone, stainless steel, or glass are, in the opinion of the BfR, an appropriate option to plastic straws. XXXVI are satisfied, no health threats are presently kept in mind with the use of drinking straws made of paper and paperboard.
Regardless of the product, consuming straws utilized more than as soon as should be cleaned up completely every time before using. If extensive cleansing of the drinking straws can not be guaranteed, the BfR recommends that such multiple-use drinking straws are not utilized for factors of hygiene.
Drinking straws are single usage plastic products which will undergo a Europe-wide sales ban from 2021 onwards. This is stated in EU Directive 2019/904 from June 5, 2019. Consequently, alternative products need to be established for the production of drinking straws in addition to other often utilized items which primarily were made from plastic so far.
As set out in the EU Framework Regulation for food contact material (Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004), objects that enter into direct contact with food must be safe. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has assessed straw, silicone, paper-board, metal and paper, durum wheat, and glass for their suitability to replace plastic in the production of drinking straws.
