The food packaging industry is working hard to safeguard food packaging and our food supply. Promising practices are underway to tackle PFAS in food packaging. This article summarizes much of the activity. First, the conundrum of distinguishing between Intentionally Added Substances (IAS) and Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS) is being abandoned. This origin-agnostic approach is inevitable because it links the requirement for a safe environment to grow food to the need for safe food-contact packaging as well as, pragmatically, the need for clear packaging industry direction on the allowable levels of PFAS. Packaging suppliers, brands, retailers, and post-consumer package waste handlers are also focused on adding value by mitigating PFAS in packaging. This is shaping the industry to be more transparent and aligning with the need for enhanced track-and-trace in our food industry. Third, alternate packaging materials and coatings for grease/oil resistance are gaining prominence, prompting PFAS replacements to enter the food packaging industry ahead of schedule.
Origin-agnostic legislation is moving forward. Global governing bodies regulating chemical presence in food distinguish between IAS and NIAS less frequently.