The realm of food packaging regulation is facing some changes. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has typically overseen the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), it isn’t the only federal entity involved in this issue. Regulations on these synthetic compounds of carbon, fluorine, and other elements are no longer exclusive to the state level either. When it comes to food packaging products, these PFAS, whether long- or short-chained, are under increasing scrutiny.
Recent coverage has highlighted this dynamic, pointing out the growing concern over these compounds. PFAS, depending on the length of their chains, interact differently with the environment and potentially pose diverse health risks. Typically, longer-chain PFAS, composed of eight or more carbon atoms, have generated more concern than their shorter equivalents, with seven or fewer carbon atoms.
However, the precise impact of these substances, particularly within the context of food packaging, remains a topic of ongoing exploration. The question remains whether more regulations will come into play, under the purview of entities beyond the traditional dominions of the EPA and state regulators. Companies operating in the food packaging sector, as well as the legal teams working alongside them, should stay aware and prepared for further developments in this area.