PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Food Packaging and Wrappers

PFAS in food packaging is one of the largest uses of this dangerous class of chemicals. This is why one of Toxic-Free Future’s goals is to eliminate these toxic “forever chemicals” in food packaging.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) “forever chemicals,” known for their persistence, toxicity, and contamination of drinking water, have been used widely for their stain-resistant, water-repellent, and grease-proofing properties.

Toxic-Free Future’s original scientific studies help make the case for urgent action to eliminate PFAS in food packaging. We’ve tested products, uncovered climate impacts, developed policy recommendations for retailers, and have shown that these chemicals are in breast milk.

Without any national regulations in place to prevent PFAS from being used in food packaging, Toxic-Free Future’s work is critical in protecting people and the environment from these toxic threats. The combination of our science and research and policy advocacy (in Washington, DC, Washington state, other states, and in corporate boardrooms) have led to governments and major retailers banning PFAS in food packaging.

Our Impact

Washington became the first state in the nation to ban PFAS in food packaging through its Healthy Food Packaging Act in March 2018. For more information, check out these updates on the implementation of Washington’s law.
Ten more states adopted bans including CA, CO, CT, HI, MD, ME, MN, NY, RI, and VT.
24 retailers selling food or food packaging have committed to reduce or eliminate PFAS in food packaging at their more than 140,000 stores in 100+ countries worldwide. These retailers include Ahold Delhaize, Burger King, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Whole Foods, among others. For a deeper dive, learn more about our work towards phasing out PFAS in retailer food packaging.
We are working to pass the Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act — federal legislation that will ban the use of any PFAS in food packaging.

Polluted Polly

A passionate and persistent activist, Polluted Polly has joined us to help get unnecessary toxic chemicals banned in food packaging materials nationwide. It is Polly’s mission to protect people, communities, and the environment from toxic PFAS chemicals that can leach out of packaging and last forever, polluting our drinking water, food, air, and soil.

Follow Polly on TikTok: @PollutedPolly

Our Priorities

Tell Congress: ban toxic food packaging!

The Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act of 2021 is a bipartisan bill that would ban the use of toxic PFAS in food containers and cookware. This legislation would help to prevent further pollution by prohibiting food packaging that contains intentionally added PFAS in at the federal level.