USACH Lab Center Drives Historic Plastic Regulation for Food Use in Chile

The proposed regulation concerning plastics in contact with food is in its final stages, aiming to establish binding responsibilities for manufacturers, importers, and marketers of materials in direct contact with food. This initiative defines applicable requirements and restrictions—including labeling norms—and regulates the recycling of plastics intended for food use.

This project originates from the efforts of Laben Chile, the Technological Innovation Center for Packaging and Packing at the University of Santiago (Usach). They underscored that the proposal seeks to ensure the chemical safety of packaging that comes into direct contact with food products.

«This initiative addresses a widely recognized need within the packaging transformation industry, the agri-food sector, and consumer protection agencies: the demand for a clear, technically sound regulatory framework aligned with international standards,» explained representatives from Laben.

In that context, they noted that «a significant portion of the food sold in Chile is packaged in various materials and is stored, processed, and served using equipment, containers, and utensils that may transfer substances that could pose health risks or alter the organoleptic characteristics of the food, leading to its deterioration.»

Regarding this issue, Dr. María José Galotto, the initiative’s proponent, detailed that «current Food Sanitary Regulations have provisions for packaging and utensils, but in light of current knowledge and technology, they are considered general and insufficient.»

Additionally, as food is a significant component of national exports, it is essential to harmonize Chilean regulations with target markets.

«To achieve this goal, Laben Chile based its proposal on regulations from the European Union and Mercosur,» indicated Dr. Galotto.

Environmental Dimension and Public Consultation

In this process of updating regulations, environmental considerations were also taken into account: under Law 21.368, which promotes waste reduction and regulates single-use plastics, the proposal establishes specific conditions for companies that recycle plastics intended for use in contact with food, filling a critical regulatory gap for the circular economy.

Concerning public involvement, the Ministry of Health subjected the proposal to a 60-day public consultation, later extended to October 30, 2025, allowing civil society, the industry, and consumer organizations to express their observations.

Following this public consultation process, the Ministry organized a Technical Committee to effectively incorporate the received observations.

«Laben Chile is an active participant in this instance, alongside the Department of Nutrition and Foods at the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of the Environment, the Chilean Plastics Pact from Fundación Chile, and with legal advice from GDS Abogados,» the university entity detailed.

Next Steps: Towards Final Approval

The initiative was presented on April 17 at the Regulatory Opportunities Working Group of the Chilean Plastics Pact to gather final comments from its members.

Subsequently, the regulation will continue its processing until final approval and publication in the Official Gazette, at which point it will take effect as a binding norm.