PFAS in Food

Several common types of food, including meat, seafood, dairy, grains and produce can contain PFAS. Tests of several brands’ food packing have revealed elevated PFAS levels. Consuming contaminated foods exposes individuals to potentially dangerous levels of the chemicals. 

Cooking with contaminated water can also be a significant source of exposure to PFAS in food. Both tap water and some bottled waters have been found to contain potentially dangerous levels of forever chemicals.

Exposure through PFAS-containing food packaging and cooking tools is also a risk. For example, the non-stick coatings on pots, pans and some utensils can contaminate food.

Oil- or water-resistant coatings on food packaging also use these chemicals. This is common in paper or other fiber-based packing products, such as pizza boxes, soup cups or sandwich wrappers. 

How Does Food Become Contaminated With PFAS?

Contaminated soil, ground and surface water, and animal feed are the most prevalent paths for PFAS to contaminate food. When farmers grow crops in contaminated soil or use PFAS-contaminated water for irrigation, the resulting grains and produce absorb the PFAS. 

Industrial pollution is a key source of PFAS in soil and water. Waste from manufacturing plants gets into runoff and contaminates farmland and groundwater sources. This type of environmental pollution can persist for decades after removing its source.

Pollution from firefighting foam is also a source of PFAS contamination that can lead to soil and water pollution, risking contaminating food sources. Groundwater and soil around many military bases that use the foam in training exercises routinely show elevated PFAS levels. 

PFAS take a long time to break down and therefore remain in the environment for many years. It is estimated that some PFAS compounds can take more than 1,000 years to degrade in soil and more than 40 years in water. As a result, levels accumulate over time.

Seafood is a major source of dietary exposure to PFAS. Data is limited, but shellfish appear to contain the highest levels, with lean and fatty fish following at the top of the list. Other meats, dairy products, produce and grains have tested positive for PFAS as well.

Researchers have found PFAS in a wide range of foods. U.S. Food and Drug Administration testing shows these chemicals in many off-the-shelf items. 

Testing of a store-bought cake mix revealed PFAS levels were more than 250 times federal advisories for PFAS levels in drinking water. FDA researchers suggested the significant levels were attributable to absorption of forever chemicals in coated packaging.

Testing revealed PFAS in food packaging from many popular retail grocery stores and restaurants. Fast food chains, including Arby’s, Burger King and Chick-fil-A, were major offenders. Several have since committed to eliminating PFAS from their food packaging. 

Grocery stores, including several that claim to offer healthy and environmentally friendly alternatives, also relied heavily on PFAS-coated packaging. Soup cups are a persistent problem, as are bakery packaging and single-serve containers.

Microwave popcorn bags, takeout containers and other grease-resistant wrappers may all contain PFAS. Pet food bags have also been found to contain the chemicals.

As awareness of the health risks associated with PFAS grows, consumers are increasingly holding manufacturers responsible for their behavior. For example, Kraft Heinz is currently facing litigation over these toxic forever chemicals in its beverages.

Although research is still ongoing, the potentially serious health effects of high-level PFAS exposure are well documented. They include an increased risk of several types of cancer.

Additionally, high-level PFAS exposure in food could contribute to increased blood cholesterol levels and reduced vaccine efficacy in children. Exposure could also increase risk of pre-eclampsia, a type of high blood pressure during pregnancy. 

Constituents have increased pressure on elected officials to enact legislation. Currently, most of the efforts occurring are at the state level. The Environmental Protection Agency and FDA have issued advisories about the safety of PFAS in food, drinking water and food packaging materials.

Increasing legislation and oversight of PFAS in food can help increase food safety. Given that PFAS accumulate in the environment for years, communities remain at risk for many years after exposure. 

Symptoms of related diseases may appear long after that initial exposure. As a result, there are several lawsuits over PFAS contamination playing out in the court system.

The best way to protect yourself and your family from PFAS in food is to choose products and brands that commit to not using these chemicals. Washing fresh foods, limiting seafood intake and using filtered water are also effective ways for avoiding PFAS in food.

Food packaging and preparation tools may also contain PFAS. You can choose safe alternatives, such as stainless steel or cast iron pans instead of non-stick cookware to further limit exposure. Choosing brands that use packaging without PFAS further limits chemicals leaching into your food.