Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used worldwide and widely added to food packaging due to their oil and water resistance properties. A recent study has revealed the harmful presence of PFAS in food packaging, posing risks to human health through food and environmental contamination.
For the study, published in the international journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters, researchers collected 42 paper packaging papers and bowls from fast-food restaurants in Toronto, Canada. They measured the total fluorine content—an indicator of PFAS—in these items. Detailed analysis was conducted on eight samples with high total fluorine content, which found that fiber-based molded bowls marketed as “compostable” had PFAS levels three to 10 times higher than donut and pastry bags….