FOOD AND HEALTH ESSENTIALS

US State of Washington regulates PFC’s in food packaging

The US State of Washington has modified its regulations regarding the presence of certain perfluorinated chemicals in food packaging products and materials.

The new regulations are applicable to perfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS chemicals), which are used in a variety of food packaging products and materials, including fast-food containers, microwavable food packaging materials and paper wrappers. PFAS chemicals provide stain, water and grease-resistant properties when applied to these and other types of food packaging materials.

Under the legislation signed into law by the Washington state governor in late March, PFAS chemicals will be prohibited from use in food packaging materials as of 1 January 2022, and food packaging manufacturers will be required to issue a certificate that verifies their compliance with the restriction. The legislation also directs the Washington Department of Ecology to immediately begin an evaluation and assessment of possible, safer alternatives to PFAS chemicals and to publish their findings by not later than January 2020.

The complete text of the State of Washington legislation regarding the use of PFAS chemicals in food packaging products and materials is available here.