The following is attributed to
Jim Jones, Deputy Commissioner
for Human Foods
SILVER
SPRING, Md., Feb. 28,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration is announcing that grease-proofing materials
containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are no longer
being sold for use in food packaging in the U.S. This means the
major source of dietary exposure to PFAS from food packaging like
fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, take-out paperboard
containers and pet food bags is being eliminated.
PFAS are a diverse group of thousands of chemicals
that resist grease, oil, water and heat. The FDA has authorized
certain PFAS for limited use in cookware, food packaging and food
processing equipment. Exposure to some types of PFAS have been
linked to serious health effects. The FDA helps to safeguard the
food supply by evaluating the use of chemicals as food ingredients
and substances that come into contact with food, such as through
food packaging, storage or other handling to ensure these uses are
safe.
Today's announcement marks the fulfillment of a voluntary
commitment by manufacturers to not sell food contact substances
containing certain PFAS intended for use as grease-proofing agents
in the U.S. This FDA-led effort represents a positive step forward
as we continue to reevaluate chemicals authorized for use with, and
in, food. It underscores an important milestone in the protection
of U.S. consumers from potentially harmful food-contact
chemicals.
This 'win' for public health is the result of FDA research and
leadership, combined with cooperation from industry. In 2020, the
FDA engaged companies to cease sales of grease-proofing substances
that contain certain types of PFAS following our post-market safety
assessment. The research FDA scientists conducted and published
played a large part in helping the agency obtain commitments from
manufactures to voluntarily phase out the use of these substances
containing PFAS in paper and paperboard food packaging
products.
Assessing progress of these efforts takes time. Various parts of
the industry are implementing changes and there are lags in data
reporting. However, we are encouraged that through
collaboration and a shared interest in the health and welfare of
the public, together with industry we can achieve positive health
outcomes.
The FDA will continue to conduct research and update our
evaluations using the most up-to-date science to ensure that our
risk determinations continue to be accurate and based on current
science. Where appropriate, we will take the steps necessary to
protect the health of U.S. consumers as part of our commitment to
food chemical safety.
Media Contact: Enrico
Dinges, 240-620-9293
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by
assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and
veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human
use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the
safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary
supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for
regulating tobacco products.
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SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration