Certain types of “forever chemicals” (also called PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) will no longer be used in food packaging in the U.S., according to an announcement from the FDA. We wanted to learn more about what this announcement from the FDA means, and what the situation is in Washington State. We sat down with Dr. Shirlee Tan, Senior Toxicologist for our Environmental Health Services Division, to ask some questions.
Shirlee, can you start by giving us some background – what are PFAS, and why are they a concern?
PFAS are a group of chemicals that are used in a lot of consumer products. To get technical, these chemicals have fluorine-carbon bonds, which are extremely strong. They don’t break down, and are almost impossible to destroy, which is why they’re also known as “forever chemicals.”
There are so many PFAS that we’re still learning about. But what we do know now is that PFAS are really harmful. They have been linked to:
- cancers (kidney and testicular)
- increases to cholesterol and obesity
- infertility
- reduced vaccine effectiveness in children
- development delays in children, such as low birth weight, earlier puberty, and behavior changes.
So why are PFAS so prevalent? What’s the connection to takeout food packaging?
PFAS are so prevalent because they stay in our environment and don’t break down. They can serve many uses – for instance, since PFAS are really good at preventing grease and water from sticking to products, they have been used in food packaging to prevent wet and greasy foods from leaking and making a mess.
The FDA recently announced that PFAS won’t be used anymore in food packaging in the U.S. Can you tell us a little bit more about what this means, and what the situation in Washington is?
The FDA announced a voluntary ban on PFAS in food packaging manufacturing. Essentially, companies that produce food packaging material are agreeing to not use it in the materials they produce. In many cases, this had already been happening because there has been a lot of action at the state level to ban PFAS, as well as voluntary initiatives from retailers, food chains, and other businesses.
In fact, Washington was the first state to ban PFAS in food packaging! Last year, new restrictions went into effect that banned PFAS in paper, paperboard or other materials derived from plant fibers. This includes pizza boxes, food boats, plates, wraps, and liners. In May of this year, there will be additional bans of PFAS in plant fiber-based materials such as bags, sleeves, bowls, and closed-top and open-top containers.
This ban came after a lot of advocacy from people who were concerned about these products. It also came after some manufacturers developed PFAS-free food packaging and other companies started buying those products for food storage.
So far, however, these bans don’t include PFAS in plastic or non-paper packaging – so these types of containers may still contain PFAS.
That’s great to know. So, when May comes around, can I feel confident that my takeout food containers won’t have PFAS in them?
For the most part, yes – at least for containers that are made from plant-based materials, like paper and cardboard based materials! It may take a little while for restaurants to use up their existing stock. That being said, there are still lots of steps you can take to reduce your exposure to PFAS and other toxic chemicals from food packaging.
Oh interesting – what can I do?
Here’s what I tell my friends and family:
- Ask your favorite take out place if they know about PFAS. Request that they use take-out containers That are certified as being PFAS-free. The Department of Ecology has resources for businesses to find safer, PFAS-free products.
- When you do get takeout, move the food into a different container when you get home – for instance, put it on a plate or in a bowl when you’re eating it.
- Store and reheat food in glass containers at home. This will help you avoid not just PFAS, but other toxic chemicals in plastic containers. These chemicals can especially spread to food when heated or put in the microwave.
- Studies have found that the more you eat takeout, the more likely you are to have higher levels of PFAS in your blood. So, if possible, try swapping takeout with eating inside a restaurant or food establishment.
- Take a reusable glass or metal bottle or cup with you to avoid a disposable cup. Some jurisdictions now charge a fee for disposable drink cups, so you might even save money!
- Reuse glass jars! A little bit of rubbing alcohol will help you take that label right off. Then wash the jar and it’s ready for easy reuse. They’re great for food storage. For instance, we’ll re-use glass jars that once had peanut butter in them. Just remember that some jars may not be safe for microwaving or freezing.
These tips will help you avoid PFAS and other toxic chemicals. And, reducing the amount of plastic food packaging we use helps support a healthier environment as well. This prevents new plastic from entering our environment. Additionally, it takes a lot of energy to make new plastic containers, so when we limit their use, we can help reduce carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.
Originally posted on April 23, 2024.