Grease-proofing materials containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are no longer being sold for use in food packaging in the United States, according to a report from the FDA.
The agency’s decision eliminates a major source of dietary exposure to PFAS from items such as fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, take-out paperboard containers, and pet food bags.
PFAS are a diverse group of chemicals that resist grease, oil, water, and heat. While the FDA has authorized certain PFAS for limited use in cookware, food packaging, and food processing equipment, exposure to some types of PFAS has been linked to serious health effects.
In 2020, the FDA engaged with companies to halt the sales of grease-proofing substances containing specific PFAS types following a post-market safety assessment.
The agency’s research and published findings played a significant role in securing commitments from manufacturers to phase out the use of PFAS-containing substances in paper and paperboard food packaging.
While assessing the progress of these efforts takes time and data reporting lags, collaboration between the FDA and the food industry is yielding positive health outcomes, according to the agency.
