The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes Human Foods Program, unifying and modernizing certain functions under one program; implementation set for October 1, 2024; FDA is also monitoring PFAS phase-out, with many states implementing bans, and manufacturers switching to non-PFAS alternatives
April 16, 2024
FDA issues final rule to streamline food contact notification process
U.S. Food and Drug Administration implements new rule on food contact authorization; aimed at enhancing food chemical safety administrative processes; enables administration to assess substances beyond safety considerations; effective on May 21, 2024
April 26, 2023
PFAS found in popcorn bags in US, Indonesia
US based and Indonesia based NGOs publish report on PFAS in popcorn bags; all 29 samples tested contained at least one PFAS
March 14, 2023
FDA adds 3 new substances to FCS inventory
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds 2 new coatings and a microbial agent to its Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substances (FCS)
October 18, 2022
Action and inaction on PFAS in the US federal government
Earthjustice files petition asking US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revoke approval of 600 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) allowed on the market under exemptions of the Toxic Substances Control Act; represents about half the number of PFAS on the market; EPA extends reach of guidelines for federal purchasing of PFAS-free products; Food and Drug Administration funding bill stripped of reform amendments including federal ban on PFAS in food packaging
June 15, 2022
Colorado bans PFAS, establishes EPR scheme for packaging
Governor Jared Polis of the US state of Colorado signs bills regulating food packaging; House Bill 22-1355 establishes an extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme for packaging and printed paper; House Bill 22-1345 bans PFAS in eight product categories including food packaging by January 1, 2024
June 15, 2022
Washington State regulating chemicals of concern in food packaging
US state of Washington Department of Ecology publishes reports on phenolic compounds (e.g. bisphenols) and PFAS in certain food packaging types triggering countdown until new restrictions; phenolic compounds in drink can coatings to be restricted beginning June 2023; PFAS to be banned in bags and sleeves, bowls, flat serviceware, open-top containers, and closed containers by May 2024
May 9, 2022
US FDA adds 11 substances to food contact inventory
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds 11 new entries to its Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substance Notifications (FCNs) since February 2022
May 4, 2022
US states continue to develop local PFAS regulations
Maryland bans intentionally added PFAS in paper and board packaging, disposable plastic gloves by January 2024; Washington State accelerates PFAS Chemical Action Plan, Department of Ecology reported to be hiring more staff to undertake the accelerated timeline; Washingtonians say food related products should be main concern of state’s Safer Products for Washington Program; Vermont considers banning bisphenols in food packaging
April 20, 2022
Court rules FDA perchlorate exemption allowed
US federal court sides with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over the use of perchlorate in food packaging; FDA’s 2017 denial of a citizen petition to regulate perchlorate in plastic food packaging “was neither arbitrary nor capricious… and did not violate the Food Act”
