PFAS food packaging no longer in use, FDA says

PFAS food packaging overview: 

• Who: The FDA announced food packaging manufacturers are no longer using grease-proofing substances containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their paper and paperboard products. 
• Why: The voluntary phase-out was undertaken to eliminate exposure to PFAS by packaging contacting food. 
• Where: The market phase-out of PFAS in food packaging affects consumers nationwide.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced last month that manufacturers nationwide are no longer using PFAS food packaging.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances were commonly used as a grease-proofing agent in food packaging. Fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, take-out paperboard containers, pet food bags and other similar types of food packaging had all contained the chemicals, prior to the now “voluntary market phase-out,” according to the FDA. 

“The completion of the voluntary market phase-out of these substances used on food packaging paper and paperboard eliminates the primary source of dietary exposure to PFAS from authorized food contact uses,” the agency said Feb. 28. 

The FDA previously obtained a commitment from food packaging manufacturers in 2020 to cease sales of food packaging containing certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances; the agency’s Feb. 28 announcement “marks the fulfillment of these voluntary commitments.” 

FDA to establish ‘validated analytical method’ to monitor market for PFAS food packaging

Grease-proofing substances are applied on paper or paperboard packaging in order to prevent grease and oil leakage, in addition to adding water-resistant properties, according to the FDA. 

The agency said most food packaging manufacturers who said in their original commitment it would take 18 months to use their inventory have already “exhausted” their market supply of paper and paperboard containing PFAS. 

The FDA said it will also be working to establish a “validated analytical method” that would allow it to “monitor the market for these food contact substances in food packaging.” 

A consumer filed a class action lawsuit against Nestle Purina Petcare Co. in November 2023 over claims the company sold its pet food products in packaging containing PFAS. 

How do you feel about the FDA’s announcement that food packaging containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances will no longer be sold? Let us know in the comments.

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