Food packaging containing toxic "forever chemicals" no longer sold in U.S., FDA says [View all]

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Source: CBS News/AP

February 28, 2024 / 10:39 PM EST


Fast-food wrappers and packaging that contain so-called forever chemicals are no longer being sold in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday.

It's the result of a voluntary effort with U.S. food manufacturers to phase out food contact packaging made with PFAS, the acronym for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which do not degrade and can harm human health.

Starting in 2020, the FDA obtained commitments from U.S. food manufacturers to phase out PFAS in wrappers, boxes and bags with coating to prevent grease, water and other liquids from soaking through. Many fast-food companies and other manufacturers, such as McDonald's, stopped using wrappers containing PFAS before the original phase-out date, the agency added.

PFAS have been linked to health problems affecting cholesterol levels, the function of the liver and the immune system and certain kinds of cancer.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/food-packaging-forever-chemicals-pfas-no-longer-sold-in-u-s-fda/

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Link to FDA NEWS RELEASE - FDA, Industry Actions End Sales of PFAS Used in US Food Packaging