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Bipartisan Bill Would Ban PFAS Food Packaging in U.S.

single use food container — Image credit: Freepik via Magnific

Legislators have introduced a bill that would prohibit food packaging containing intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances.

Specifically, H.R. 9593, titled, the Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act, would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDC) to “prohibit the introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of food packaging containing intentionally added PFAS, and for other purposes.” It was reintroduced for the fourth time by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania) on July 7, 2026 and was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

The introduction of this legislation at the federal level follows the enactment of similar laws phasing out PFAS in food packaging and other goods in Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, and other states.

The PFAS Problem

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals” due to their inability to break down over time, are highly persistent due to their stable carbon–fluorine bonds. They bioaccumulate and are widely pervasive in the environment and humans; their presence in food and drinking water has been demonstrated worldwide.

PFAS have been introduced to the environment through their industrial uses and consumer goods applications, including as a grease- and waterproofing agent on food packaging and nonstick cookware. These “forever chemicals” are also associated with health harms like the increased risk of certain cancers, liver and kidney harms, and thyroid dysfunction.

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Bailee Henderson is the Director of Content Strategy for Food Safety Magazine. In the day-to-day, she covers industry-relevant current events, regulatory affairs, and scientific developments. She also produces the Food Safety Five Newsreel and edits the twice-weekly Food Safety Digest newsletter. Notably, Bailee's coverage for Food Safety Magazine has been featured in national televised news segments including CBS Sunday Morning and MSNBC's Rachel Maddow Show. She can be reached at hendersonb@bnpmedia.com.