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PFAS Phased Out of U.S. Food Packaging

A voluntary phaseout of PFAS chemicals in U.S. food contact packaging has been fulfilled, eliminating a significant source of dietary exposure to the substances for consumers.

The FDA in 2020 initiated a voluntary phaseout of some short-chain PFAS for use in food-contact packaging, which is now complete.
The FDA in 2020 initiated a voluntary phaseout of some short-chain PFAS for use in food-contact packaging, which is now complete.
Sarah Silbiger via Getty Images

U.S. companies have completed a voluntary phaseout to cease the use of PFAS in food packaging, the FDA announced Wednesday.

This phaseout is a “win for public health,” and “the result of FDA research and leadership, combined with cooperation from the industry,” Jim Jones, deputy commissioner for human foods, says in a release.

The phaseout eliminates the primary source of dietary exposure to the substances for U.S. consumers, through cannels like fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, take-out paperboard containers, and pet food bags, the FDA release says.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” are a group of thousands of chemicals used in food packaging for their grease- and water-proofing properties, as well as in various other products and manufacturing applications.

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