Forever Chemicals No Longer Used in US Food Packaging

To protect the public from cancerous chemical leach, U.S. manufacturers have stopped using short-chain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging and paperboard products within the United States. The move comes four years after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that three manufacturers had committed to a voluntary phase-out of the chemicals in food packaging. PFAS are chemicals used in food packaging, nonstick foodware, and waterproof clothing. Known as “forever chemicals,” these manmade substances are nearly indestructible, which is why they’ve been used in manufacturing for decades. The FDA announced on Feb. 28 that products containing PFAS that come in contact with food will no longer be sold in the United States, marking “the fulfillment of these voluntary commitments.” The agency added that other manufacturers have stopped producing grease-proof products containing PFAS in addition to the first three....