PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been part of food packaging since the 1950s. These chemicals help keep grease out, making them useful in items like fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and pizza boxes. However, research is showing how harmful these substances can really be. They can seep into food, leading to serious health issues. Even newer alternatives, like polymeric PFAS, aren’t as safe as once thought. They can contain harmful impurities or break down into smaller toxic substances.
Additionally, PFAS can contaminate recycling processes and even pollute the environment, affecting soil, crops, and drinking water. Alarmingly, studies have found traces of PFAS in the bodies of nearly everyone tested, highlighting the extent of this issue.
Many countries are starting to tackle the problems posed by PFAS. Legislation in various U.S. states has been enacted to limit these chemicals in food packaging. A notable study in 2017 sped up awareness and regulatory efforts after revealing widespread PFAS use in packaging. By 2024, 13 U.S. states have passed laws restricting their use. At the federal level, the FDA has also taken steps, revoking approvals for certain PFAS in 2016 and securing commitments from manufacturers to limit their use in food packaging as of 2020.
Outside the U.S., Denmark became the first country to outright ban PFAS in paper and cardboard used for food packaging. Meanwhile, the European Union is tightening regulations on these chemicals across its member states. In March 2024, an agreement was reached to regulate PFAS in food contact materials throughout the EU.
Despite these positive steps, there are still significant gaps in regulations. Most existing laws primarily address PFAS that are intentionally added to products. This doesn’t tackle PFAS that may come from recycled materials or other sources. For instance, the FDA’s regulations only cover specific categories of packaging, and may not fully eliminate potential exposure from remaining uses.
Recycling can exacerbate the issue. Non-grease-resistant recycled paper can still contain PFAS from past uses. Research has highlighted that some recycled plastics in food containers may also harbor harmful substances, including flame retardants. This calls for stricter scrutiny of recycled materials used in food packaging to avoid contaminating food.
A new strategy is needed to ensure the materials used in food packaging do not let harmful substances leach into food. A study from the Food Packaging Forum has shown that many chemicals present in food contact materials can be concerning, leaching into food and potentially causing health risks. The aim should be to develop packaging that is completely free from dangerous chemicals.
Food industry leaders need to focus on making safer choices. Awareness is growing, and better tools are available to help with this. For example, the Environmental Defense Fund provides a tool to identify harmful chemicals in food packaging. The UP Scorecard evaluates the safety and environmental impact of food service products, guiding companies toward safer materials. The Class Approach developed by the Green Science Policy Institute helps companies eliminate harmful chemical classes entirely, avoiding cycles of replacement with equally problematic substances.
As discussions around food packaging and health continue to evolve, innovation is crucial. It’s essential to develop new materials that are both sustainable and safe. Learning from previous mistakes will help us ensure that future packaging choices protect both people and the planet.
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