On Wednesday, the FDA announced certain grease-proofing substances containing per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, will no longer be sold for use in food packaging in the US
Chemicals are applied to paper or paperboard packaging for waterproofing and to prevent leakage of oils and grease. They are commonly found in fast-food wrapping, microwave popcorn bags, takeout containers and pet food packaging.
Chemicals are widely used and do not easily break down in the environment, leading to contamination of water and soil and to accumulation in humans and animals.
Current scientific research has found that exposure to certain levels of PFAS can contribute to adverse reproductive effects, developmental delays in children, decreased immune response and increased risk of certain cancers.
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Following a market-wide safety assessment of PFAS packaging, the FDA in 2020 asked manufacturers to end the sale of packaging that included these chemicals.
Most manufacturers discontinued their use of these products before the FDA’s recommended deadline.
“This FDA-led effort represents a positive step forward as we continue to review chemicals authorized for use in, and in, food,” said Jim Jones, FDA’s deputy commissioner for foods. of man. “This underscores an important milestone in the protection of US consumers from potentially harmful chemical contact with food.”
The FDA is now developing ways to monitor the market and study any continued use of PFAS in packaging.
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