Take action to stop PFAS in food packaging

Scottish environmental NGO Fidra recently published a report (pdf) revealing that harmful PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), known as forever chemicals, are present in UK food packaging.

Fidra analysed 20 food packaging samples bought in the UK to test for the presence of PFAS. PFAS were present in 95% of the samples tested, including food packaging from major UK supermarkets, popular takeaway chains and independent takeaway restaurants.

PFAS chemicals have been linked to various adverse health effects, including thyroid disease, liver damage, reduced response to vaccines in children, and increased risk of certain cancers.

Fidra is running a ‘Find the PFAS’ challenge to find out which food packaging has been treated with PFAS. They are asking the public to carry out a simple ‘bead test’ on paper or cardboard food packaging and submit the results to their website. Find out more on their website.

Last year the Danish Government announced a ban on all PFAS in paper and cardboard food packaging, and CHEM Trust urges the UK Government to follow in their steps. CHEM Trust’s position (pdf) is that all PFAS should be restricted at once under the European chemical regulation REACH. Several European member states have now announced their support for a ban on all PFAS in non-essential uses. The UK Government must commit to joining this phase-out of PFAS.