Raffia threads as a Food contact materials

Hi team

My name is Rose working for a vegetable exports company located  in Kenya with our market in Europe

Our customer is interested in  trimmed French beans tied in bunches of 200g with raffia threads. The product is intended to be microwaved while still tied with raffia .In our case the thread shall be a primary contact packaging.

My concerned are;

1. Are raffia products  safe to be used as  food contact  surfaces/packaging.
2. How safe is raffia threads when microwaved?
3. Are there certified  companies  that supplier raffia?
4. Are there risks related to its consumption?( if accidental)

 My worry is that our company  might  lose this market  due to lack of adequate information regarding raffia.

Anyone who has any information can come for our rescue. 

your candid input is highly appreciated

From Rose

Raffia string is not edible and young shoots are toxic..

I can't imagine that would be good to use as packaging.

I found this site:   https://www.blessed-...ions-to-take/  

1. Are raffia products  safe to be used as  food contact  surfaces/packaging.
2. How safe is raffia threads when microwaved?
3. Are there certified  companies  that supplier raffia?
4. Are there risks related to its consumption?( if accidental)

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Safe, yes - not toxic.... by itself in it's natural state the palm fonds from which it is sourced from are not toxic - however its gets a bit muddy if pesticides are in use or if chemical dyes are used to color the fiber - both of which can make it toxic as a food contact packaging item.

Much of the supply comes from Madagascar.

The string itself should not pose an issue in a microwave - if it frays a lot however it can toast (burn.)

The other questions i can not answer, I am only aware of the large supplier ULINE here in the states that supply it.