WHAT IS PFAS?
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (collectively known as PFAS) are manmade chemicals used in many industries to make products waterproof, non-stick, and stain resistant. Some examples of products that may contain PFAS include: firefighting foam, carpet, furniture, waterproof clothing, plumbing supplies, medical equipment, cosmetics, consumer household goods, and certain types of food packaging. These chemicals are often described as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down over time and can build up in the environment and in our bodies.
WHAT ARE AUTHORIZED USES OF PFAS IN FOOD CONTACT APPLICATIONS?
Since the 1960s, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized PFAS use in certain specific food contact applications. PFAS are allowed for non-stick coating applications; sealing gaskets for food processing equipment; manufacturing aids; and grease-proof agents for paper food packaging. However, current data indicate that paper and paperboard agents containing PFAS would result in dietary exposure to PFAS that may result in potential safety concerns. In February 2024, the FDA announced that substances containing PFAS used as grease-proofing agents on paper and paperboard for food contact use are no longer being sold by manufacturers in the U.S. market. At this time, the manufacturing processes and structure of PFAS chemicals used in the other three authorized uses have been determined to result in negligible amounts of PFAS migration.
WHY IS PFAS A PROBLEM?
Repeated exposure over time leads to PFAS accumulating in the human body, and exposure has been correlated with adverse health outcomes in humans. Certain types of PFAS have been in use since the 1940s for industrial applications, and PFAS have been used in food contact applications since the 1960s. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there is evidence that increases in exposure to certain PFAS can lead to increased cholesterol levels, changes in liver enzymes, small decreases in birth weight, lower antibody response to some vaccines, pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia, and kidney and testicular cancer.