Yes—PFAS have been used for grease-resistant food packaging, though U.S. sales of these coatings have ended.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were widely added to paper and paperboard to keep oil and moisture from soaking through. In early 2024 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said manufacturers had completed a voluntary phase-out of PFAS-based grease-proofing agents for food contact uses in the U.S. market. That change reshaped where these chemicals still appear and what buyers should expect from packaging today.
Where PFAS Showed Up In Food Packaging
Before the recent shift, PFAS chemistry appeared most in paper wrappers, boxes, and molded fiber items designed to resist oil. The table below highlights common applications and the current U.S. status.
| Packaging Type | Why PFAS Were Used | Status (U.S., 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Fast-food wrappers | Grease barrier for burgers, sandwiches | Sales of PFAS coatings ended per FDA phase-out |
| Burger and pizza boxes | Oil resistance to protect boxes and hands | Sales of PFAS coatings ended; fiber boxes remain |
| Microwave popcorn bags | Heat and oil resistance | PFAS barriers phased out; alternative barriers in use |
| Molded fiber bowls | Repel hot oils in take-away meals | PFAS coatings phased out; PFAS-free grades marketed |
| Bakery and deli papers | Prevent seep-through from moist foods | PFAS coatings phased out; check spec sheets |
| Paper plates | General oil and moisture resistance | Manufacturers moved to non-PFAS barriers |
| Paper straws and liners | Occasional legacy findings in testing | Producers shifting to PFAS-free claims and tests |
Are PFAS Used In Food Packaging In 2025?
The short answer many shoppers still type—“are pfas used in food packaging?”—deserves a clear status update. In the United States, manufacturers have stopped selling PFAS-containing grease-proofing agents for paper and paperboard that contact food. That action means newly produced wrappers, boxes, bags, and bowls in this category should not rely on PFAS for their barrier.
The FDA also determined that dozens of older Food Contact Notifications tied to PFAS chemistry are no longer effective, which trims legacy pathways for these uses.
State rules continue to tighten. Multiple states restrict or ban PFAS in food packaging, and more bills keep moving. If your brand ships nationwide, you should confirm that packaging specifications meet the strictest state you enter to avoid disruption.
PFAS In Food Contact Materials And Packaging: Current Rules
PFAS historically delivered strong oil and water resistance, which is why they showed up most in grease-facing formats. With the U.S. market phase-out in place, the focus has shifted to monitoring residual findings, imported stock, and non-paper uses, along with broader chemical restrictions in other regions. The European Union is advancing a wide PFAS restriction that also touches food contact materials; its current draft leaves few general exemptions for packaging.
Public health agencies track exposure sources and potential health links. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) notes that eating contaminated food and drinking contaminated water are primary routes of exposure for many people. Research continues on health outcomes and on how to interpret blood test results for individuals.
If you want the regulatory storyline from the primary source, see the FDA market phase-out of PFAS grease-proofing agents, which explains the timeline, the short-chain vs. long-chain context, and the final notifications of sales cessation. That’s the touchstone many manufacturers cite in spec sheets and supplier letters.
Which Packages Were Most Affected?
Paper and paperboard were most affected because grease-proofing agents are applied as coatings or are built into the pulp. That includes fast-food wraps, pizza boxes, and molded fiber bowls. News reports and trade coverage marked the shift in early 2024 when the agency said sales had ended and when large chains confirmed PFAS-free moves.
What About Imported Items And Legacy Stock?
Importers serving the U.S. market also align with FDA-cleared substances and state bans. Legacy inventory produced before the phase-out could still be on hand for a time, but large buyers tend to purge stock to reduce legal exposure. Many brands now require supplier certifications and periodic third-party testing to confirm non-PFAS barriers. Trade groups in Europe and the U.S. support moving away from PFAS where viable options exist.
How PFAS Work In Packaging
PFAS share a fluorinated backbone that repels oil and water. In coatings, this property limits soak-through from fries, meat juices, or sauces. Researchers continue to refine methods to detect trace levels in finished packaging and to track how much can migrate into food under real-world conditions. Recent reviews summarize findings across dozens of studies and point to steady progress in lab methods.
Short-Chain And Long-Chain Families
Long-chain PFAS such as PFOA and PFOS drew early attention. Short-chain replacements were used later for grease-proofing in the U.S., then phased out of the market through the FDA process described above. Testing work now aims to verify that new barriers meet oil-resistance needs without these chemistries.
What This Means For Food Businesses
Restaurants, grocers, and packagers may not need PFAS to hit everyday performance targets. Suppliers now offer PFAS-free fiber bowls, wraps, and boxes that pass grease tests for common menu items. Labeling, spec sheets, and certificates of compliance help buyers document claims across states.
Buyer’s Checklist For PFAS-Free Packaging
If you purchase packaging at scale, use this quick checklist with your vendors.
Questions To Ask Suppliers
- Request a written statement that the item contains no intentionally added PFAS and meets the strictest active state rule you ship to.
- Ask which barrier system replaces PFAS and how it performs under ASTM or TAPPI oil-resistance tests.
- Confirm third-party testing frequency and the methods used for targeted PFAS and total fluorine where applicable.
- Keep copies of certificates of compliance and test reports with lot identifiers.
Labeling Language To Look For
- “No intentionally added PFAS” or “PFAS-free barrier.”
- References to the FDA phase-out of grease-proofing agents and to state PFAS packaging laws.
- Named alternatives such as water-based dispersions, mineral-based barriers, or mechanical oil-holdout designs.
Alternatives That Replace PFAS In Paper And Fiber
The best choice depends on food type, heat, dwell time, and sustainability goals. Here’s a condensed guide.
| Packaging Goal | PFAS-Free Option | Trade-Offs To Plan For |
|---|---|---|
| Grease resistance for wraps | Water-based polymer dispersions | May need heavier basis weight for messy foods |
| Oil holdout in bowls | Mineral-filled barrier coatings | Heat limits vary; test with hot fry oils |
| Pizza and bakery boxes | Clay or starch surface sizing | Grease spotting risk on very oily toppings |
| Microwave popcorn | High-density papers and non-PFAS coatings | Dial in pop time to avoid scorching |
| Fry cartons | Engineered fiber structure | Higher fiber weight may raise cost |
| Deli sheets | Waxed or wax-blend papers | Compost rules differ by region |
| Takeaway clamshells | PLA-lined or aqueous-coated fiber | Temperature limits; watch heat lamps |
Health Context In Plain Terms
When people ask, “are pfas used in food packaging?”, they often also ask why it matters. ATSDR describes links between PFAS exposure and several health outcomes under active study. The science is still being refined, and human risk depends on dose, time, and individual factors, but agencies advise cutting avoidable exposure where practical.
Outside packaging, major exposure sources include drinking water and certain legacy-impacted foods in some areas. EPA actions on water standards and cleanup keep moving, which can lower exposure over time as systems install treatment and sites undergo remediation.
For readers who want a primary reference inside the body of this article, review the ATSDR clinician overview for current health context, screening considerations, and links to risk-reduction steps for households.
Practical Steps For Households
When You Order Takeout
- Choose outlets that state their packaging is PFAS-free or “no intentionally added PFAS.”
- Move hot, oily foods to reusable plates soon after pickup to reduce contact time.
- Skip reheating food in takeout paper; use microwave-safe glass or ceramics.
When You Shop For Groceries
- Favor uncoated paper wraps for bakery and deli when grease isn’t a concern.
- Look for plain fiber trays with grease pads instead of coated fiber when buying meats.
- Check brand websites for PFAS-free packaging statements and testing summaries.
Key Takeaways For Brands
PFAS once defined grease resistance in many paper formats. In the U.S., sales of those PFAS grease-proofing agents for direct food contact have ended, and state laws are driving consistent PFAS-free claims. Europe is advancing broad restrictions. Buyers can meet performance needs with non-PFAS barriers, backed by supplier letters and routine tests that fit the menu and the heat load.
How To Verify Claims With Suppliers
Ask for plain-language certificates that spell out three points: no intentionally added PFAS, compliance with all active state packaging rules, and the exact barrier technology used. Pair that letter with a current test report for target PFAS and, when useful, a total fluorine screen that helps flag fluorinated coatings. Keep audits simple: pick a sample from incoming stock each quarter and retest, then track the lot in a shared log.
When you source packaging for international sites, map the gap between U.S. practice and European proposals. The EU’s restriction process is ongoing and touches food contact materials, so multinational brands benefit from a single global spec that avoids PFAS in new paper and fiber items. That approach reduces changeovers if the restriction lands near the current draft.
Method Notes For Readers
This guide leans on primary regulatory materials from FDA and public health summaries from ATSDR, plus peer-reviewed and agency-linked reviews on detection and migration in packaging. Trade news is used only to illustrate timing and adoption by large chains. As policies evolve, refresh your vendor packets each year and re-check the primary FDA page linked above for any new notices or revocations related to food contact substances.