WASHINGTON — A federal campaign to stop the sale of food and pet food packaging containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has ended in victory, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The agency announced on Feb. 28 that such grease-proofing packaging materials are no longer sold in the United States.
PFAS have historically been found in a variety of food packaging, including pet food packages, take-out containers, fast-food wrappers and microwaveable popcorn bags, according to the FDA. Intended to lend grease, oil, water and heat resistance to food packaging, this group of chemicals has been linked to adverse health risks. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, these include increased cancer risk, decreased immune system function, increased cholesterol or obesity risk, and natural hormone disruption.
“Today’s announcement marks the fulfillment of a voluntary commitment by manufacturers not to sell food contact ingredients containing certain PFASs intended for use as anti-grease agents in the United States,” wrote Jim Jones, deputy commissioner for human foods at the FDA. “This FDA-led effort represents a positive step forward as we continue to review chemicals approved for use in, and in, food. This marks an important milestone in the protection of US consumers from potentially harmful chemicals that come into contact with food.”
Although PFAS are no longer found in certain food and pet food packaging materials, the FDA has permitted their use in certain applications, including cookware and food processing equipment.
According to the FDA, this latest development is the result of collaboration between the agency and members of the food industry. Over the past 12 months, many packaging material suppliers have developed alternative solutions for the food and pet food industry to facilitate the transition away from PFAS.
“Research conducted and published by FDA scientists has played a large part in helping the agency obtain commitments from manufacturers to voluntarily stop using these PFAS-containing substances in packaging products. of food on paper and paperboard,” Jones added.
FDA will continue to review industry progress in this area, as well as conduct research to inform its ongoing assessment of PFAS and other potentially harmful chemicals in the food and pet food industry.
Read more about packaging solutions and trends for pet food and treats.
