Could 2024 Be the Year Congress Finally Bans PFAS in Food Packaging?

A bill aimed at stripping "forever chemicals" from the wrappers, boxes, and containers that touch your food is back in Congress. The Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act has been reintroduced by a bipartisan pair of senators, and this time it arrives with more than a dozen state laws already on the books pushing in the same direction, according to Packaging Dive.

If you've ever wondered why your microwave popcorn bag or takeout box might be treated with grease-resistant chemicals, this bill is worth understanding, because it could change what shows up on grocery shelves nationwide.

What Happened?

Senators Maggie Hassan and Tommy Tuberville reintroduced the Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act, legislation that would prohibit the use of PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in food packaging sold across the United States Packaging Dive reports. This is the second attempt to pass the bill at the federal level; an earlier version stalled in a previous Congress.

PFAS are a family of thousands of synthetic chemicals prized for their ability to repel grease, water, and oil. That's exactly why they've long been used in fast-food wrappers, bakery bags, microwave popcorn liners, and molded-fiber containers. The problem, according to researchers and regulators, is that these same chemicals don't break down easily in the environment or the body, which is why they've earned the nickname "forever chemicals."

Who's Affected by This Proposed Law?

The bill would apply broadly to food packaging manufacturers and the brands that use their products, meaning everything from fast-food chains to grocery store bakeries to snack companies could need to reformulate their packaging if the law passes. More than a dozen states, including New York, Washington, and California, have already enacted their own bans or restrictions on PFAS in food packaging, per Packaging Dive, so some companies have already begun phasing out these chemicals to comply with a patchwork of state rules.

For consumers, the practical effect is twofold. First, a federal law would create one national standard instead of a state-by-state patchwork, which packaging makers have said they'd prefer for consistency. Second, it could accelerate the shift away from PFAS-treated packaging across the board, even in states that haven't passed their own bans.

Why Does This Matter for Your Health and Wallet?

Health researchers have linked certain PFAS exposures with a range of concerns, including effects on cholesterol levels, immune response, and other health outcomes, though these are associations observed in studies, not proof that any single product or exposure causes harm in a given person. Food contact is considered one meaningful pathway of exposure because grease-resistant coatings can migrate from packaging into food, especially warm or fatty foods.

This isn't just a packaging issue, either. PFAS Authority's own scoring of 11,260 products found that 40% fail our PFAS and toxin screen, and the problem runs well beyond takeout wrappers. Some outdoor gear categories score far worse, our data shows 100% of scored camping tents and tarps, rain jackets, cycling rain jackets, sleeping bags, and softshell jackets failed, often due to water-repellent PFAS treatments. We reach these conclusions by reviewing published ingredients, materials, certifications, and manufacturer disclosures, not laboratory testing, so our scores reflect what brands do and don't tell the public, which is itself telling.

Some well-known brands, including Cuisinart, The North Face, MAC, Calphalon, T-fal, Nike, Columbia, and Estée Lauder, disclose nothing about PFAS in their products, based on our research. That lack of transparency makes it harder for consumers to make informed choices, regardless of what Congress eventually decides.

What Can You Do Right Now?

You don't have to wait for federal legislation to reduce your potential exposure. Consider these steps.

• Limit grease-resistant packaging contact with hot or fatty foods. Transfer takeout food to a plate rather than eating directly from coated wrappers or boxes when possible.
• Check your state's rules. If you live in one of the states that has already restricted PFAS in food packaging, some products on shelves may already reflect those changes.
• Look up brands before you buy. You can search specific products and brands using our product finder to see how they score on our PFAS and toxin screen.
• Understand how scoring works. Our methodology explains exactly how we evaluate disclosed ingredients, materials, and certifications to flag potential PFAS concerns.
• Favor brands that disclose. Companies that publish ingredient and material information generally allow for more informed comparison than those that disclose nothing.

Bottom Line

The Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act reflects growing momentum, at both the state and federal level, to remove forever chemicals from the packaging that touches our food. Whether or not this particular bill passes, the direction is clear, PFAS in consumer products is under increasing scrutiny. Until packaging and product labels become clearer, your best defense is checking what's known before you buy and favoring brands and products associated with lower concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this bill mean PFAS food packaging is currently illegal nationwide?

No. As of this reporting, the Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act is proposed federal legislation, not current law. Some states have already passed their own bans, per Packaging Dive, but there is no nationwide prohibition yet.

Is all food packaging with PFAS dangerous?

Health agencies and researchers have identified associations between certain PFAS exposures and various health effects, but this doesn't mean any single packaged food item is proven harmful. Packaging treated with PFAS is generally considered an area of higher concern due to the potential for chemical migration into food, especially compared to untreated alternatives.

How can I find out if a product I use contains PFAS?

Many brands don't disclose this information voluntarily, which is part of the challenge. You can check our finder tool to see how specific products score based on published ingredients and certifications, as explained in our methodology.