Until February 28, 2024 the U.S. FDA allowed Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), which are a group of synthetic chemicals that resist water, oil, grease, and other liquids to be used in products that touch our food. These chemicals can stay in the human body for long periods of time and are known to cause liver and kidney disease, some cancers, hormone disruption, and adversely affect our immune systems as well as causing many other negative outcomes. Because of this, they have been named Forever Chemicals. These chemicals are used in hundreds of industries including food packaging, wrappers and containers. The FDA announced in February that these Forever Chemicals (PFAS) will be banned in food packaging. This will affect fast food wrappers, popcorn bags, pet food bags, to-go boxes/bags, pizza boxes, disposable utensils, beverage containers and other food related containers. The change will not happen immediately since the food industry has been given 18 months to use up their current supply and find new products to use in their place. We should be aware that these chemicals will still be allowed in a reduced capacity in food preparation and sale. PFAS will still be allowed in non-stick pots/pans and other food equipment.
Due to this new regulation, the public will have much less direct exposure to these toxic chemicals. That is an important first step. Now let’s ban them from our carpet, textile, paper, automotive, electronic, household items and cookware industries since the pervasive use of these PFAS Chemicals are causing them to seep into our soil, water and air. If we agree that we don’t accept these chemicals in our food packaging because they are toxic, then they have no business infecting our food supplies, homes, cars and workplaces. DUH!
