The FSA have launched a consultation seeking stakeholders’ views, comments and feedback on their proposal to implement a ban on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols in food contact materials (FCMs).

The consultation is not intended to revisit the scientific consensus on BPA’s risks, but to gather any robust evidence that may justify an alternative approach for BPA and its analogues. The consultation will also help identify any practical considerations for implementation, including transition periods and potential exemptions while setting a high evidentiary threshold for any objections.

All the background information and details of how to respond can be found here.

Responses should be submitted via the online form provided. If this is not possible, you can email a response to: FCM-BPA@food.gov.uk

Responses are required by close 24 December 2025 at 17:00.

Within three months of a consultation ending the FSA aim to publish a summary of responses received. In the meantime, the BFFF will be monitoring and will bring you any updates accordingly.

Vegetable processing specialist FreshFlow Food Solutions, part of the Oakland International group, is celebrating a major milestone after its new Midlands facility secured a coveted BRCGS ‘A’ accreditation at its very first audit.

 

Managing Director Richard Hall said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our team. Securing an ‘A’ grade straight out of the blocks reflects the dedication and hard work of every colleague involved. It’s a proud moment for all of us.”

 

The BRCGS (British Retail Consortium Global Standard) is internationally recognised as the benchmark certification for food storage and distribution.

 

Combining cutting-edge technology with a strong focus on sustainability, FreshFlow Food Solutions has made vegetable processing the core focus of its new site. With a capacity of up to 100 tonnes per week, the facility processes most root vegetables into sliced or diced, chilled or frozen, and in both retail and bulk formats. This highly flexible approach establishes a new benchmark in UK vegetable processing and was initially launched as an initiative to directly support the partnership between Oakland and FareShare, and it now also caters to recipe box providers, restaurants, cafés, convenience outlets.

 

Richard explained: “We can repack surplus produce into consumer-sized portions and provide rapid turnaround for chilled stock nearing expiration. Partnering with organisations such as FareShare and food bank charities, we’re also helping ensure surplus food is redistributed to those who need it most, while directly tackling food waste. Our aim is always to go beyond the everyday standard, prioritising customised solutions over mass-market strategies.”

 

Alongside its primary vegetable processing operation, the FreshFlow facility has also been designed to deliver a full spectrum of food packing services:

 

•              High-risk facility: A purpose-built environment designed for high-risk food packing and processing. Ideal for concept testing, sample production and delivering bespoke solutions.

•              Low-risk lines: Versatile, multi format packing capabilities catering to retail and foodservice customers.

 

This unique combination of high- and low-risk capability allows FreshFlow to offer tailored solutions across diverse product types while maintaining the highest food safety standards.

 

With no minimum order requirements and the agility to run bespoke batches, FreshFlow Food Solutions has positioned itself as an ideal partner for both small producers and the broader food service sector. By combining innovation with sustainability, the business enables partners to reduce waste, remain agile in a volatile supply chain, and develop bespoke product ranges quickly and securely.

 

Richard added: “We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. From vegetable processing at scale to specialist high-care product development, our flexible model means we can deliver tailored solutions for everyone, whether that’s recipe box providers, foodservice operators, or food distribution charities. By combining innovation with purpose, we aim to transform food processing into a sustainable and customer-focused service that benefits businesses and communities alike.”

At Costa Brava Mediterranean Foods, we understand sustainability as a responsibility that we embrace with determination and ambition. Every day, we work to reduce our environmental impact and build a more efficient and respectful model that places both the planet and people at the centre. The trust of our clients and partners drives us to keep improving, innovating, and leading the transition towards more conscious food.

 

We have achieved significant reductions in our consumption of natural resources: -13% in electricity, -42% in gas, and -23% in water across the Group. In addition, 100% of the energy supplied to all our facilities comes from renewable sources, enabling us to cut our own carbon footprint emissions by 47%. We have also made great progress in materials management: 54% of the plastic we use in packaging is already recycled, and we have significantly reduced the amount of plastic used in our products — a firm commitment to a truly responsible circular economy.

This effort has been recognised with the Lean & Green Award, which highlights our Improvement Plan in logistics and energy efficiency, as well as with the Zero Waste certification, reinforcing our commitment to avoid any type of waste and make the most of every by-product in the production chain.

But sustainability is not only environmental; it is also social and ethical. That’s why we work under SMETA certification, which audits our best practices in labour conditions, health and safety, business ethics, and environmental care. This reflects our commitment to guaranteeing a safe, fair, and respectful working environment, in line with the values we share with all of you.

 

Every step we take towards sustainability is carried out with the same responsibility with which we care for the quality of our products and the trust you place in us every day. Because progress only makes sense if we do it well — and we do it together.
https://www.costabravafoods.com/en/sustainability-2/

Drawing on over five decades of materials handling expertise, Powys-based BFFF member Contact Attachments Ltd is supporting those across the sector to make the movement of bulk ingredients safer, cleaner and more efficient through its specialist forklift attachments.

Handling dry bulk ingredients such as sugar, flour, and grains presents unique challenges for manufacturers.  Purpose-designed attachments help maintain hygiene, optimise workflow, and ensure compliance with food safety legislation – all while reducing material loss and downtime.

Mark Jones, Technical Sales Advisor at Contact Attachments, explains:

“Precision, reliability, and hygiene are essential when managing bulk ingredients.  Standard equipment can struggle with powders and grains, leading to spillages, contamination, or operational delays. Our range of bulk handling attachments is designed to make the transportation of ingredients safer, faster, and cleaner across all types of food production facilities.”

• Grain Shovels – High-Capacity Handling for Loose Ingredients

Contact Attachments’ grain shovels are engineered for the efficient movement of lightweight, free-flowing materials such as cereals, sugar, and flour.

Manufactured from high-grade steel and available in stainless steel options for hygiene-critical zones, these attachments feature a contoured bucket design that enables quick loading and smooth discharge – reducing residue build-up and simplifying clean-down.  Reinforced wear edges provide durability even under intensive use, while optional custom capacities ensure suitability for a variety of ingredient-handling tasks.

 

• Tipping Skips – Safe and Efficient Bulk Waste Management

Where large quantities of waste or by-product need to be handled, tipping skips provide a safe, controlled solution.

Contact Attachments’ range of self-tipping skips features automatic release mechanisms for smooth and reliable emptying, while safety chains and locking systems protect operators during use.  Ideal for collecting spilled ingredients, packaging waste, or rejected materials, they help maintain tidy production areas and improve overall site safety.

Available in galvanized or powder-coated finishes – and with optional castor wheels for enhanced mobility – these skips are well-suited to busy production and storage environments where efficiency and hygiene go hand in hand.

 

• Bulk Handling Solutions – Tailored for Every Operation

In addition to its standard product range, Contact Attachments also supplies bespoke bulk handling solutions for the food and drink sector.  From bulk bag lifters and high-capacity buckets to stainless-steel attachments for allergen-controlled zones, each solution is engineered to enhance operational efficiency and maintain compliance with hygiene and safety standards.

Hydraulic and corrosion-resistant options can be specified to meet the unique demands of washdown or moisture-prone environments, ensuring reliability and long service life even under intensive conditions.

 

• Protecting People, Product & Performance

Investing in the right attachment not only improves efficiency but also helps reduce manual handling – still one of the leading causes of workplace injury in the UK food and drink industry.  Purpose-built solutions minimise lifting, enhance load stability, and ensure that ingredients are moved safely and cleanly across the production process.

“We’ve worked closely with businesses across the sector for decades,” Mark adds. “Whether it’s a grain mill, bakery, or ingredient blending facility, our goal is to help every customer find the right attachment to keep operations running efficiently, safely, and fully compliant.”

Contact Attachments Ltd has been supporting UK manufacturers for over 50 years and offers a wide range of standard and bespoke material handling solutions to the food and drink sector. Whether you’re handling dairy, beverages, or bulk ingredients, their team is on hand to help find the right solution for your specific needs. For more information, visit: www.forklift-attachments.co.uk or call 01686 611200.

From beverage fridges to SmartMonitoring, see the full Liebherr hospitality range in Milan.

 

See Liebherr at HOST Milano

Heading to HOST Milano? Join us on the Liebherr stand from 17-21 October to explore our latest hospitality refrigeration solutions and discover how we can support your business.

Why Liebherr?
As a precision manufacturer trusted worldwide, Liebherr brings together performance, efficiency, and design to support professionals in the hotel, catering, and foodservice industries. Our appliances are built to deliver reliability, lower running costs, and long-term value.

On the stand, you’ll find:

• Beverage fridges — including our MyStyle Professional configurator for customised branding
• Merchandising chest freezers for impactful sales presentation
• SmartMonitoring — digital condition monitoring for peace of mind
• Self-service fridges designed to maximise convenience
• Commercial wine fridges for premium presentation and storage
• A wide selection of appliances for hotel and catering storage
• Solutions tailored to back-of-house efficiency and front-of-house appeal

Explore ahead of time:

• Hospitality ranges
• HOST event page

Book a meeting at HOST
To make the most of your visit, arrange a dedicated time with Stephen Ongley:

Stephen.Ongley@liebherr.com
+44 (0) 7713 270167

We look forward to welcoming you in Milan.

Best regards,
Liebherr UK – Refrigeration