What are PFAS? Health Risks, Regulations and Safety

Are you aware that PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," could be in your food processing and packaging materials? If your product is free from these harmful substances, it could give you a competitive edge while ensuring a safer choice for your buyers, end-users or consumers.

PFAS – or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic or man-made materials that resist degradation. Some PFAS have been used in diverse consumer goods and industrial applications for decades. Known as “forever chemicals”, which build up (bioaccumulate) in the environment, there are many thousands of PFAS, which can contaminate ground water, surface water, soil, indoor air and dust.

PFAS exposure can occur through the contamination of the food we eat or the water we drink. Additionally, PFAS can be present in materials used in food processing, preparation, packaging and cleaning. Valued for their oil and water repellant (hydrophobic and lipophobic) properties, PFAS are often used to make stain resistant, non-stick, water repellant or grease proof products including:

Consumer goods:

• Nonstick cookware
• Food packaging for bags, sandwich wrappers and takeout containers
• Cleaners and sanitisers in the home.

Food equipment materials:

• Sealants
• Adhesives
• O-rings/gaskets
• Valves
• Tubing
• Coatings.

Food production and processing:

• Lubricants for use in contact with food (lubricants for incidental food contact), such as for anti-rust, release agent purposes or during the operation of machine parts and equipment
• Cleaners
• Hand cleaners
• Sanitisers.

Scientific opinion has identified a wide range of health risks from the presence of these substances. Some PFAS are known to be carcinogenic, harmful to our reproduction and immune systems, or can increase the risk of thyroid disease.

PFAS regulations for food equipment, processing and packaging vary around the world, and from state to state in the US. If you’re a manufacturer looking to protect current markets or enter new ones (such as the US or Europe), it’s important to check how PFAS in food preparation and processing is regulated. You may need to source or develop alternative materials as a result.