Geneva (June 23, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 079.25, alerting manufacturers and retailers to new guidance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding safety concerns over dinnerware products made from palm leaf sheaths.

On May 8, 2025, the FDA issued a letter to importers, retailers and distributors stating that bowls, plates, cups and utensils made from Areca catechu leaf sheaths may leach harmful alkaloid chemicals into food, particularly when used with heat or over extended periods. These naturally occurring compounds, including arecoline and arecaidine, have been linked to adverse health effects, such as cancer.

Although often marketed as biodegradable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials, these products are neither approved under any food additive regulation nor exempted, and do not qualify as generally recognized as safe (GRAS). As a result, the FDA has added them to Import Alert 23-15, blocking their entry into the US market. Companies wishing to sell these items must submit a food contact notification to demonstrate product safety.

SGS publishes SafeGuardS to help stakeholders stay informed of key regulatory developments. SafeGuardS 079.25 offers detailed insight into the FDA’s letter on palm leaf dinnerware, covering scientific findings, regulatory implications, and potential impacts on market access.

Stakeholders are encouraged to consult the full SafeGuardS 079.25 for more information.

SGS food contact material services
SGS’s technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s food contact material services. [www.sgs.com/en/service-groups/food-contact-materials]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full US FDA Issues Letter to Industry and Consumers about Palm Leaf Dinnerware SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2025/06/safeguards-07925-us-fda-issues-letter-to-industry-and-consumers-about-palm-leaf-dinnerware]

Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. [http://www.sgs.com/subscribes]

For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420

Melanie Tamayo
Senior Technical Manager
Tel: +1 312 414 9394

Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).