Items Tagged with 'EPA'

EPA repealed Biden-era amendments that had tightened emissions regulations under the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule. Critics warn that this decision could lead to greater bioaccumulation of the neurotoxin methylmercury in fish, increasing human dietary exposure.

A paper from the year 2000 suggesting the safety of glyphosate (the active ingredient in herbicide Roundup), which has been cited for decades in regulatory decisions and pesticide approvals, has been retracted after litigation revealed undisclosed conflicts of interest undermining the study’s integrity.

EVOCA, a new biofungicide from Biotalys, has received regulatory approval from EPA, and has also been exempted from maximum residue limits based on its safety profile.

In May 2025, EPA rolled back Biden-era drinking water limits for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) of concern. A new map visualizing EPA testing data shows that more than 30 million Americans are served by drinking water systems containing one of four PFAS for which the limits have been revoked.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to industry attorney Alfredo Fernández about what the new Toxic Substances Control Act and emerging state legislation mean for food manufacturers, importers, and businesses regarding compliance with U.S. requirements for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food contact materials and packaging. 

FDA carried out a sampling and testing assignment of bottled waters for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in 2023–2024. Although PFAS were detected in ten samples, no bottled waters were found to have levels of “forever chemicals” exceeding EPA maximum limits for PFAS in drinking water.

A recent study has revealed that nearly 100 million people in the U.S. are exposed to unregulated chemicals in their drinking water—including solvents, refrigerants, and PFAS—with Hispanic populations most disproportionately affected.

Citing concerns that the Trump Administration could roll back or weaken Biden-era EPA drinking water standards for PFAS, a bill has been introduced in California that would set state-level limits for harmful “forever chemicals” that are at least as protective as current federal standards.

Publicity concerning PFAS in food packaging has led to litigation alleging contamination in foods, claiming that manufacturers falsely marketed products by failing to disclose the presence of PFAS. Such claims will likely increase due to EPA's requirement for manufacturers and importers to submit reports on their use of PFAS by January 2026.

An EPA draft risk assessment suggests a risk to human health from the consumption of food grown on land fertilized by PFAS-contaminated biosolids. This risk only applies to certain “hot spots,” as the majority of food crops grown in the U.S. do not use biosolids as fertilizer.