PFAS Exit Marks Turning Point for Food Packaging

FDA confirms certain PFAS uses in food packaging are no longer active, pushing manufacturers toward safer alternatives  

12 Feb 2026

A quiet but meaningful shift has reshaped the world of food packaging.

The Food and Drug Administration has confirmed that certain PFAS chemicals once used to make paper food packaging grease resistant are no longer being sold for food contact use in the United States. After manufacturers voluntarily walked away from these applications, the agency determined that 35 related food contact notifications are now inactive.

This is not a formal ban. Still, it effectively closes the door on the authorized use of these specific PFAS substances in paper and paperboard items like pizza boxes, sandwich wrappers, and bakery bags.

The decision is narrow but significant. It applies only to PFAS used for grease proofing paper packaging. Other approved PFAS applications in food contact materials remain in place under existing rules, including certain uses in processing equipment.

For packaging manufacturers, the change is far from symbolic.

Companies must now reformulate barrier coatings, run new rounds of performance testing, and update compliance records. Replacing fluorinated grease barriers is not as simple as swapping one ingredient for another. Alternatives must stand up to oil and moisture, protect food safety, and perform under real kitchen conditions.

Supply chains are also under review. Producers are checking supplier certifications and tightening traceability systems to ensure paper products meet PFAS free specifications. Documentation, once routine, has become central.

The FDA framed the move as a collaborative milestone between regulators and industry, aimed at reducing exposure to persistent chemicals. With regulatory uncertainty eased for these uses, brands and converters can move ahead with clearer expectations.

The broader landscape remains fluid. Several states have adopted or proposed their own PFAS limits in food packaging, and major foodservice brands have pledged to cut back on these substances. Though separate from the FDA action, those pressures are pushing the market in the same direction.

For packaging professionals, the takeaway is practical. Know which products are affected. Test replacements thoroughly. Keep records tight.

As scrutiny of food contact materials grows, companies that adapt early and build transparent supply chains will have steadier footing in a changing market.