Is your food packaging safe? This common compound may pose risks.

Pizza boxes, fast-food packaging, and microwave popcorn bags all rely on PFAS to prevent moisture and extend food shelf life.‍‍‍‍

Image source:Unsplash/Cristiano Pinto

Lorna De Leoz

Agilent Technologies Global Food Division Manager

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of compounds that have become common raw materials in certain food packaging materials due to their useful properties.
Although PFAS offer numerous benefits, it is essential to conduct thorough research into the potential health risks they may pose.
Regular testing can accurately measure PFAS levels, helping to assess exposure risks even as regulations evolve.

In a world that prioritizes convenience, our food packaging often remains shrouded in mystery. Packaging designed to keep food fresh may contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—compounds that warrant further investigation and are sometimes referred to as "forever chemicals."

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Image source:Agilent Technologies

The Road Ahead

The persistence of these compounds demands that we remain vigilant, step up detection efforts, and better understand—and mitigate—potential health risks. Manufacturers using PFAS-containing food packaging must increase transparency about their ingredients.

Regulatory agencies, companies, researchers, and consumers can collaborate to jointly create a future where food packaging skills meet the demands of modern food production and distribution—while also safeguarding public health and environmental safety.

Achieving the right balance between convenience and responsible practices requires ongoing efforts from all stakeholders. Only through this collective commitment can we ensure the safety of the food industry, foster its sustainable growth for the future, and ultimately safeguard societal well-being.

The above content solely represents the author's personal views.This article is translated from the World Economic Forum's Agenda blog; the Chinese version is for reference purposes only.Feel free to share this on WeChat Moments; please leave a comment below the post if you’d like to republish.

Translated by: Sun Qian | Edited by: Wang Can

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