Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as 'forever chemicals', are increasingly becoming a hot topic among the public and regulatory bodies due to their environmental persistence and potential health risks, which include certain types of cancer, developmental issues in babies, and hormone issues. 
 

Food companies and food-contact materials manufacturers are under mounting pressure to test for and limit or eliminate PFAS in their products.  However, the regulatory landscape surrounding PFAS remains fragmented globally, posing significant challenges for companies attempting to comply with evolving standards. 
 

By partnering with specialised labs, companies can navigate this shifting landscape with confidence – gaining clarity on the presence of PFAS in their products and supply chains and preparing for future regulations. 
 

Fragmented regulatory landscape. 

The path PFAS takes into the food supply chain is multifaceted. It enters through environmental contamination (soil and water), bioaccumulation within food chains, and migration from food packaging or processing equipment. 

To address this, new regulations and guidance are gradually emerging. For example, the European Commission has established limits for PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, and PFHxS in eggs, fish, molluscs, meat, and edible offal and encourages monitoring PFAS in produce, baby food, fish oil, and milk. This approach is more stringent than in the UK, the US, and China, which have not yet set enforceable legal limits for PFAS in food.  
 

Regulation around food-contact materials is also fragmented. The EU is moving towards harmonised regulation through the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), with strict limits on PFAS expected to apply by August 2026. Across the channel, the UK is taking a less aggressive approach, evolving its regulatory framework through the UK's Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (UK REACH) framework. Currently, UK REACH applies restrictions to certain types of PFAS, with further restrictions under consideration. 
 

In the United States, the regulatory landscape is even more complex. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the voluntary withdrawal of PFAS in grease-proofing substances from the market, illustrating a collaborative approach to industry change. Despite this, thirteen states, including California and Hawaii, have passed their own laws prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or distribution of food packaging containing PFAS. This patchwork regulation necessitates that companies involved in nationwide food distribution remain agile and informed to ensure compliance. 

Partnering with labs

Given the complexity of the regulatory environment, companies cannot afford to be passive. Proactive measures include identifying potential sources of PFAS in their supply chains, accurately assessing risks and maintaining transparency in their reporting. Here, partnerships with specialised labs are pivotal as they can offer expertise in PFAS identification, risk assessment and regulatory compliance, providing vital support for companies navigating these turbulent waters. 

 

Conclusion

While the regulatory landscape for PFAS is fragmented, the movement towards stricter control is clear. By leveraging Agilent’s expertise, businesses can effectively manage the risks of PFAS, safeguarding their reputations and financial well-being. Moreover, staying informed about evolving regulations across all trading markets is essential for compliance and sustaining consumer trust. 

---