![]() Even though they are used only to facilitate manufacturing of the food contact article, some of the PFAS stay in the plastic, where they migrate into food. Given the evidence, FDA needs to move forward pursuant to our June 2021 citizens petition to evaluate the safety of PFAS taking into account the cumulative effect of these chemicals in the diet from many sources.įDA authorized seven PFAS uses in plastic from 2002 to 2016įDA describes the PFAS uses in the seven FCNs as processing aids because they do not serve a purpose in the final packaging. They join environmental contamination and greaseproofed paper and cardboard as sources that food companies must consider in order to keep PFAS out of their products and respond to consumer demand for safer food. ![]() These plastic processing aids, along with fluorinated polyethylene, are the latest additions to a growing list of sources of ‘forever chemicals’ in the diet. In one case the overall amount of the PFAS in the diet would be as high as 41 ppb (see pages 31-32 of FOIA response) – much more than is tolerated for some PFAS in drinking water. From FDA’s response, we learned that these PFAS can contaminate food in contact with the packaging. They reportedly improve polymer extrusion, reduce build-up on the injection mold, and improve surface roughness among other technical effects.ĮDF submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for seven food contact substance notices (FCNs) that FDA has authorized. The PFAS are added to facilitate the production of articles such as bottles and wraps. ![]() The PFAS are allowed in plastic at levels up to 2000 parts per million (ppm) although lower than those used to greaseproof paper, these levels still contaminate food. Since 2002, FDA has authorized the use of four types of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) to make plastic food packaging, one as recently as 2016. ![]() Tom Neltner, Chemicals Policy Director Maricel Maffini, consultant and Tom Bruton with Green Science Policy Institute ![]()
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