EDM: Plastic in chewing gum

Plastic in chewing gum

Tabled by Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat) 47 signatures

The motion

That this House notes with concern that the overwhelming majority of commercially available chewing gum in the UK contains plastic-based synthetic polymers hidden within the ingredients under the term gum base, meaning most consumers are unaware they are chewing and ingesting plastic; further notes that chewing gum is a significant but overlooked source of microplastic ingestion and environmental pollution, with research showing that a single piece of plastic gum can release in excess of 250,000 microplastic particles into the human body; is concerned by growing evidence linking microplastic exposure to health risks, including cancer, strokes, heart attacks, diabetes and infertility; is further concerned that the majority of gum consumers are under the age of 25, a group more vulnerable to the health impacts of microplastic exposure; notes that chewing gum remains largely unregulated in terms of its composition and public health risks; calls on the Government to commission independent research into the public health implications of plastic-based chewing gum; further calls for mandatory transparency in labelling, including a requirement for manufacturers to clearly disclose gum base ingredients in plain language; and urges the Government to explore regulatory measures to limit public exposure to microplastics through chewing gum and to encourage the development and adoption of plastic-free alternatives.

Signatories (47)