The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded its call for data on unprocessed fresh produce packaging, which closed on 30 January 2026.
The initiative collected information from food business operators, national authorities, research institutions and other stakeholders on packaging practices, materials and food safety implications ahead of forthcoming EU guidelines.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The data call was part of a preparatory process to support the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste, commonly referred to as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which seeks to phase out certain single-use plastics and strengthen sustainability in packaging across the EU.
Industry contributions complete as deadline lapses
The EFSA data call invited documented evidence on how unprocessed fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs (weighing less than 1.5 kg) are currently packaged, particularly focusing on single-use plastic systems and alternative materials such as cardboard or bulk-dispensed formats.
Submissions were intended to inform a scientific opinion requested by the European Commission, an input that will guide detailed guidelines on implementing point 2 of Annex V of the PPWR.
Stakeholders were asked to provide insights on current packaging practices, types of plastic and alternative systems utilised, and any microbiological quality and safety considerations linked to switching from plastic to other materials.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataEFSA’s aim was to assemble a comprehensive evidence base to support the European Commission’s regulatory approach toward reducing single-use packaging in the fresh produce sector.
Next steps for scientific assessment and EU guidance
With the data collection phase now closed, EFSA scientists will begin analysing the submissions to produce a scientific opinion on unprocessed fresh produce packaging. This opinion is expected to shape EU guidance on the PPWR’s application, especially concerning exemptions and safety considerations.
The European Commission has set out a timetable whereby detailed guidelines must be developed to support the enforcement of the PPWR’s provisions, which include a ban on certain single-use plastic packaging formats by 2030.
The scientific opinion will weigh evidence on both conventional plastic and alternative packaging materials, assessing how changes may affect food safety, shelf life, and supply chain logistics.
Assessors are likely to consider factors raised by industry and research bodies, such as hygiene requirements, microbial hazards and practical challenges for distribution and retail. The output is expected by mid- to late 2026, feeding into guideline preparation before the PPWR’s next implementation milestones.
Implications for packaging strategy and compliance planning
For fresh produce businesses and supply chain partners in the EU and global exporters to the region, the closure of EFSA’s call for data marks a transition from information gathering to policy elaboration.
Under the PPWR, single-use plastic packaging for fresh produce under 1.5 kg will be restricted, with exemptions subject to scientific and policy justification. Companies will need to interpret forthcoming guidance to align packaging design, materials sourcing, and compliance programmes with new regulatory requirements.
Industry groups had previously voiced concerns about potential impacts on food safety, waste generation and logistics, arguing that packaging serves important roles in hygiene and reducing food spoilage.
The forthcoming scientific opinion and regulatory guidelines will be closely watched as they may influence timelines, allowable alternatives and transitional arrangements under the PPWR.
The EFSA exercise reflects the wider EU agenda to encourage sustainable packaging and reduce packaging waste, central goals of the PPWR and broader European circular economy objectives.
The authority’s scientific assessment will provide critical evidence to underpin these policy measures and help clarify how producers should adapt fresh produce packaging practices in the years ahead.
