# Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act of 2021

This bill targets a group of chemicals called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) that are commonly used in food packaging and containers. These chemicals, often called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally in the environment, have been found in people's blood and are linked to potential health problems including liver damage, thyroid disease, and weakened immune systems.

The bill would ban manufacturers from using PFAS chemicals in food containers and packaging materials sold in the United States. This includes things like takeout boxes, pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags, and any other food packaging designed to keep grease or moisture from leaking through. Right now, companies use these chemicals because they're extremely effective at repelling oil and water, but the bill says they'd need to find safer alternatives instead.

If this bill became law, it would primarily affect food packaging manufacturers and companies that use these containers. Consumers would likely see changes in how their takeout and packaged foods are wrapped, though the food itself wouldn't be affected. The real impact would be behind the scenes—companies would need to reformulate their packaging materials and potentially invest in new manufacturing processes. For everyday people, the main benefit would be reducing exposure to these persistent chemicals through food packaging, which is considered one of the primary ways PFAS enters our bodies and the environment.

Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act of 2021

Hassan, Margaret Wood

Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act of 2021 This bill prohibits food packaging that contains intentionally added PFAS (i.e., a perfluoroalkyl substance or a polyfluoroalkyl substance that is man-made with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom).