The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has formally rejected a petition from environmental and public health groups that called for the agency to establish legal limits on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food. The decision, announced on July 8, 2026, maintains the FDA's current stance of relying on voluntary industry phase-outs and market withdrawals rather than mandatory regulatory caps.
Petition Details and FDA Response
The petition, submitted by groups including the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the Center for Science in the Public Interest, urged the FDA to set maximum allowable levels for PFAS in food, citing growing evidence of health risks such as cancer, immune system suppression, and developmental harm. The FDA countered that existing data do not support the need for such limits, arguing that current levels of PFAS in food are not a public health concern. In its rejection letter, the FDA stated that it “does not have sufficient scientific evidence to establish a regulatory level at this time.”
Criticism from Advocates
Environmental and health advocates reacted sharply to the decision. “The FDA has once again chosen to protect industry over public health,” said Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs at the EWG. “Americans deserve to know that their food is free from these toxic chemicals, but the FDA is refusing to take even the most basic step of setting a limit.” The groups had pointed to studies showing that PFAS can migrate from food packaging into food and accumulate in the body over time.
Current FDA Approach
The FDA has instead emphasized its voluntary efforts, including encouraging manufacturers to phase out certain types of PFAS used in grease-proof food packaging. In 2024, the agency announced that all U.S. manufacturers had completed the voluntary phase-out of short-chain PFAS used in food contact materials. However, critics note that the phase-out does not cover all PFAS, and imported food packaging may still contain the chemicals. The FDA maintains that its monitoring programs show PFAS levels in food are declining.
Health and Environmental Concerns
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment, have been linked to various health problems. A 2023 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found detectable levels of PFAS in the blood of 98% of Americans. The chemicals have been found in drinking water, soil, and food, with food packaging and contaminated water used in agriculture being major sources. The EPA has set health advisories for PFAS in drinking water, but no federal limits exist for food.
Industry Reactions
The food packaging industry welcomed the FDA’s decision. The American Chemistry Council, which represents chemical manufacturers, said in a statement that “FDA’s science-based approach ensures that the food supply remains safe while allowing for innovation in packaging materials.” The council argued that mandatory limits could disrupt supply chains and increase costs for consumers.
Next Steps
Advocacy groups say they will continue to push for federal legislation to regulate PFAS in food. Several states, including California, New York, and Maine, have already enacted their own bans on PFAS in food packaging. The EWG and its allies are also urging Congress to pass the “Keep Food Safe from PFAS Act,” which would require the FDA to set limits within two years. The FDA’s rejection does not prevent individual states from taking action, but a patchwork of state laws could complicate compliance for national food producers.
