FDA: Food packaging in US will no longer contain PFAS endocrine-disrupting chemicals
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A class of endocrine-disrupting chemical called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is no longer being used in food packaging in the U.S., according to an announcement from the FDA.
In a press release, Jim Jones, deputy commissioner for human foods for the FDA, announced the fulfillment of a voluntary commitment from manufacturers to no longer sell food packaging substances that contain certain types of PFAS, a diverse group of thousands of chemicals that resist grease, oil, water and heat. PFAS were previously used in food packaging such as fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, takeout paperboard containers and pet food bags. Certain types of PFAS are still authorized for use in non-stick cookware and food processing equipment.
As Healio previously reported, adults who ate more meals at restaurants and fewer prepared at home were exposed to higher levels of PFAS. The FDA said exposure to higher levels of PFAS has been associated with serious health effects.
The elimination of PFAS in food packaging comes after the FDA asked companies in 2020 to end sales of grease-proofing substances that contain certain types of PFAS. The request came following an FDA post-market safety assessment. Research conducted by the FDA played a large part in the agency obtaining commitments from manufacturers to phase out substances containing PFAS, according to the press release.
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