The National Assembly has adopted a bill aimed at strengthening the ban on plastic in institutional food services for children. The text seeks to explicitly enshrine in law the prohibition of plastic plates, cups, cutlery, and other utensils used in school cafeterias, daycare centers, and several hospital departments related to early childhood. Members of Parliament hope to eliminate any legal ambiguity that arose after the implementation of previous environmental regulations.
This initiative is based on growing concerns about microplastics and chemicals that can migrate into food. Several scientific studies have highlighted the presence of plastic particles in the environment and also in the human body. Children are considered particularly vulnerable to these exposures due to the developmental stages of their organs and hormonal system.
A measure defended in the name of public health
The rapporteur for the text, Graziella Melchior, deemed it necessary to legally secure a ban already widely implemented in many communities. During the examination of the text, she noted that scientific knowledge on the potential effects of food-grade plastics continued to advance and justified the application of the precautionary principle. According to several studies cited in Parliament, a majority of municipalities have already replaced these containers with alternatives such as stainless steel, glass, porcelain, or ceramic.
Having been adopted by the National Assembly, the bill must now continue its legislative journey in the Senate. Its proponents hope for final adoption in the coming months to ensure the long-term elimination of plastic tableware in establishments that care for young children. For associations working on this issue, this development would represent a further step in reducing children's exposure to plastic pollution.
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