Alarming levels of dangerous chemicals known as PFAS were discovered in food packaging at a number of well-known fast-food and fast-casual restaurants and grocery store chains, a new report found.
Highlights
- Consumer Reports finds high levels of dangerous chemicals known as PFAS in food packaging.
- The chemicals are used to prevent grease and water from soaking through food wrappers and beverage cups.
- The CDC and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry call exposure to PFAS a “public health concern” The report comes more than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, when the public has relied heavily on takeout and grocery deliveries.
- In the U.S., there are no federal limits, leaving action up to the states, but Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington have passed bills banning intentional use of PFAS.