FDA Bans Specific 'Forever Chemicals' from US Food Packaging
The US Food and Drug Administration has taken action to prohibit the use of certain types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as 'forever chemicals', in food packaging within the United States. This decision comes after the FDA's announcement on Wednesday to eliminate the use of these greaseproofing chemicals in food packaging.
Certain types of PFAS, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, will be phased out from use in food packaging in the United States, as announced by the US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday.
Studies conducted by the FDA have revealed that fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and take-out pizza boxes are significant contributors to dietary exposure to certain PFAS, which are hormone-disrupting chemicals with the potential to linger in both the body and the environment.
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PFAS have been associated with a range of health issues such as alterations in immune and liver function, obesity, diabetes, specific cancers, and reduced birth weights.
Although the recent announcement was met with approval from health and environmental advocates, they pointed out that companies were already feeling the heat from state bans to remove PFAS from consumer goods, including food packaging.
Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a professor of pediatrics and population health at NYU Langone Health in New York City, who has studied the health impacts of PFAS, expressed strong support for removing PFAS from food packaging. He emphasized the significant and continuous exposure to these harmful chemicals.
Melanie Benesh, vice president of government affairs for the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, reported that twelve states have taken steps to either ban or phase out PFAS in food packaging.
Benesh emphasized that the recent state actions mark a significant milestone in the effort to eliminate PFAS from the market, particularly in the realm of food packaging where viable alternatives have long been available.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the American Chemistry Council, a trade association, highlighted the importance of PFAS in various products that are essential in everyday life. These include semiconductors, electronics, advanced batteries, healthcare applications, and renewable energy. The statement also underscored the diversity of PFAS chemistries, each with unique properties and uses.
ACC is in favor of robust, science-driven regulation of PFAS chemistries and remains committed to collaborating with state and federal policymakers on this critical matter.
The FDA's recent announcement in 2020 outlined a voluntary phase-out plan for specific types of PFAS in food packaging within a three-year timeframe. This decision came after a thorough scientific evaluation revealed that these chemicals have a longer-lasting presence in the body than previously thought.
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In a news release on the milestone, Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods, emphasized that this ‘win’ for public health was achieved through FDA research and leadership, as well as industry cooperation.
However, despite Wednesday’s announcement, it is important to note that the wrapper of your next fast-food burger may still contain PFAS. The FDA projects that it could take up to 18 months after this phase-out for existing stocks of products containing these food contact substances to be depleted.
Manufacturers in the US discontinued the sale of long-chain PFAS in 2011 due to safety concerns. In response, they began using short-chain PFAS as substitutes in their products, believing them to be less hazardous than their long-chain counterparts.
Although short-chain PFAS were initially believed to not accumulate in living organisms like long-chain PFAS, recent research indicates that they may be metabolized into forms that can persist in tissue.
CNN’s Sandee LaMotte contributed to this report.
Editor's P/S:
The article sheds light on the concerning use of PFAS in food packaging and the potential health risks associated with these chemicals. As a consumer, it is alarming to know that everyday items like fast-food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags can contribute to our exposure to hormone-disrupting substances that can linger in our bodies and the environment. The FDA's announcement to phase out certain types of PFAS from food packaging is a positive step towards protecting public health, but it is crucial for manufacturers to swiftly implement these changes.
Furthermore, it is encouraging to see state-level initiatives to ban or phase out PFAS in consumer goods, including food packaging. These actions demonstrate a growing awareness of the need to eliminate these harmful chemicals from our lives. The collaboration between industry and policymakers is essential in ensuring the safe use of PFAS and safeguarding human health while balancing innovation. As consumers, we can support efforts to reduce PFAS exposure by advocating for safer alternatives and making informed choices about the products we purchase.
