Denmark to ban PFAS in food packaging

Denmark will be the first country in the world to ban per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have caused cancer, high cholesterol, and decreased fertility, in food packaging, starting in 2020.

At the Danish Ministry of Environment and Food‘s press announcement made on September 2, 2019, the Danish government said they would ban the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in paper and cardboard used in food contact materials by July 2020.

We will [ban them] because I will not accept the risk of these very harmful substances migrating from the packaging to the food. We can see that the substances represent a major health problem and we can no longer wait for the EU,” said Danish Food Minister Mogens Jensen.

PFAS chemicals have been created since World War II and can be found in stain-and-water repellents, nonabsorbent nonstick products, stain removers, fire-fighting foams, paints, packaging for packaged foods, and cleaning products. These chemical substances can diffuse easily into the air, soil, crops, and water. People can also be exposed to them through clothing and agricultural exposure.

PFASs can affect human health when an individual is exposed to them. The variety of health impacts ranges from liver damage to thyroid disease, the effects of lack of awareness on the physical conditions of these individuals.

Europe has done more to restrict endocrine-disrupting chemicals than the U.S., with April’s fact that the EU Parliament urged member states to “swiftly take all necessary action” so to speak.

The nonprofit Green Science Policy Institute congratulated the Danes on breaking ground in this area and hopes that others follow in their footsteps.

Danish Veterinary Administration – part of the ministry for the Environnement – has “long advised” against the use of FCMs in which additives are deliberately placed, and some retailers have voluntarily decided to discontinue making use of the products.

“Given the potential for harm, we must ask if the convenience of water and grease resistance is worth risking our health.”

When these chemicals land in fast food boxes and takeout containers, they are among the most horrifying spots on Earth. PFAS chemicals were able to migrate out of food wrappers to contaminate food, especially if the food there was greasy. Food and Drug Administration tests showed that PFAS chemicals can easily migrate to contaminate food, even if the food had grease.

When EWG analyzed fast food wrappers, 40 percent of the wrappers it tested contained fluorinated chemicals. These chemicals are found in wrappings used for sandwiches, pizza, fried chicken, and pastries.