PFAS in Food Service: Promoting Alternatives
Many products used by food service facilities and in cleaning practices contain Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), including food packaging, non-stick cookware, stain- and water-resistant treated fabrics, and floor cleaning products. PFAS compounds are often called “forever chemicals” because they do not breakdown and instead build up over time in the environment, animals, and people; and can be harmful to health.
The purpose of this Project is to educate residents, local officials, institutions, and businesses in targeted areas of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont on common products used by food service facilities that are likely to contain PFAS, their impacts on public health and the environment, and safer alternatives. The Project developed an 8-page Guide and held an outreach webinar, both of which are linked below, along with links to references.
Guide
PFAS in Food Service: Promoting Alternatives (June 2024)
Webinar
PFAS in Food Service and Facility Maintenance Slides (June 2024)
Studies and Additional Resources
PFAS and Our Health
- CDC/ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) – Region 1 PFAS and Health
- U.S. EPA – Our Current Understanding of PFAS
PFAS in Food Service Studies
- NH DES PFAS in Floor Stripping and Waxing Products
- PFAS in Carpet
- PFAS in Disposable Foodware
- Washington State Dept. of Ecology – Safer Alternatives to PFAS in Food Packaging
PFAS in Food Service Additional Resources
- BPI – Certified Compostable Products
- Center For Environmental Health (CEH) – Database of Single-Use Food Service Ware Products Tested for Fluorinated Additives
- Consumer Reports – How to Reduce PFAS Exposure from Food Containers
- EPA – Safer Choice Products
- GreenScreen – Database of Certified Products
- New York Times – PFAS in Fast Food Products
- PFAS in Plastic Food Containers