PFAS in Consumer Products & Food Service
Many consumer products contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a large group of human-made chemicals know for their heat-stable, friction-reducing, and grease-, water-, and stain-resistant properties. PFAS are frequently 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 which products are likely to contain PFAS and how to avoid buying them. NEWMOA has developed:
- A general handout about PFAS and the connection to consumer products
- Handouts on four common categories of consumer products
- PFAS in Food Service: Promoting Alternatives – An 8-page guide for food service providers including, restaurants, grocery stores, school and other institutional cafeterias
NEWMOA also conducted outreach in each of the targeted areas, including at:
- Community events, such as farmer markets during the summer of 2023
- PFAS in Food Service & Facility Maintenance: Promoting Alternatives – Slides from a virtual workshop for food service providers in June 2024 [PDF] and August 2024 [PDF]
- A presentation to the Northeast Kingdom Waste Management District towns during their June 2024 board meeting
- Hands-on technical assistance to one school
View the General PFAS and Consumer Product Factsheets
View the PFAS Food Service Guide
