FDA slated by environmental activists for failing to ban PFAS in food packaging

06 Aug 2021 --- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has come under fire from environmental activists. Rather than pledging legislative action to ban the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in packaging, the FDA has issued a letter admonishing industry against unauthorized use of the substances.

Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are a broad range of compounds used to provide liquid barrier properties to packaging material. However, a steady stream of research is linking the chemicals with serious health issues, including cancers and weakened immunity to viruses like COVID-19. 

The agency is saying the warning letter is a necessary step to ensuring manufacturers who produce, distribute or use these types of containers are aware of FDA’s regulations on PFAS. 

However, groups like the US activist organization Environmental Working Group (EWG) are scolding the FDA for failing to take any meaningful action. 

“Our food should not contain toxic forever chemicals,” says David Andrews, an EWG senior scientist. “Once again, the FDA has put the needs of the chemical and food companies ahead of the needs of the public.”

There are around 9,000 PFAS chemicals, most of which are associated with serious health risks.Saying never to forever chemicals 
The FDA approved the use of fluorinated food containers in 1983, but EWG says there is no evidence the agency ever reviewed either the safety of these containers or studied whether the PFAS was contaminating food. 

Last year, a report by Mind the Store campaign nonprofit Toxic Free Future warned that nearly half of all take-out food packaging tested across major US food chains contains potentially toxic chemicals. 

Between 2002 and 2016, the FDA approved 19 PFAS for use in food packaging. It has only outlawed a select number of chemicals and still permits many for packaging use. 

However, with evidence that the chemicals are toxic and a danger to human and environmental health constantly emerging, many within industry are calling for a reversal on these approvals. 

This year, US scientists called for “meaningful action” on PFAS to attenuate the “systematic failures” of national chemical regulation. The researchers said the main US law in place covering chemicals – the Toxic Substances Control Act – has proven “quite effective at protecting the chemical industry’s freedom to produce and use hazardous chemicals, and less effective at protecting human health and the environment.” 

Industry action and action against industry 
Following the momentum created by research on PFAS, some industry players have taken voluntary action to eliminate their use. 

Campaigners are calling for blanket bans on PFAS.Recently, German foodservice multinational Delivery Hero launched a program aimed at providing e-commerce companies in the food sector affordable options on PFAS-free packaging. 

World Centric also unveiled Leaf+, a fully compostable alternative to PFAS packaging for disposable fiber tableware. Combining new technology with a proprietary application, Leaf+’s oil-resistant, food-grade properties made it an industry first, according to the company.

Despite many companies taking action, major brands have also received criticism for failure to act. 

Burger King’s parent company Restaurant Brands International was slated by public health advocates after promising to address PFAS in its food packaging “within the next few months.” Critics accused the company of stalling on a serious issue. 

A central cause of PFAS prevalence lies in the phase-out of single-use plastics. Manufacturers are seeking barrier solutions for fiber-based packaging applications that can mimic the protection afforded by plastics.

The EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive will take effect on July 3, banning popular throwaway plastic items like straws, cutlery, plates and beverage cups and containers made of EPS.

By Louis Gore-Langton